UPDATE: About the Army helicopters over north West Seattle

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

2:02 PM: Thanks for the tips and texted photo. The helicopters that were flying over northwest West Seattle are US Army helicopters, flying out of, and returning to, Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the South Sound. They’re often seen up here on training flights. Some wondered if it might be World Cup flyover practice, with the match two days away. Since their flight path included SODO, that could be; we’re checking.

ADDED 1:10 PM THURSDAY: We had left messages by voice and email with JBLM Public Affairs, and a spokesperson returned our call today. He said it was “routine training” as far as he knew but also said PA wouldn’t necessarily be informed if there was going to be a flyover, so that wasn’t entirely ruled out.

Alki resident June 17, 2026 (3:07 pm)

It’s always a thrill hearing them fly over. What a cool pic.

Kyle June 17, 2026 (6:46 pm)

Just another routine training flight so the pilots can get more “seat time”. Nothing special, it happens ALL the time.

Aviation Guy June 17, 2026 (8:13 pm)

Yea, it was World Cup flyover practice. 2x Apaches and 2x Blackhawks, working to get holding time and time on target perfect since there was time to practice. Should see them again on Friday.

WiseWoman June 18, 2026 (12:28 am)

There are also several fighter planes at KC Airport as well.

TMJ June 18, 2026 (6:16 pm)

Their Blawkhawk, Little BIrd, Blackhawks and Chinook are highly modified. 160 SOAR’s call sign is ‘death from above’. The Apache belongs to another unit apparently.. Thank you for your service JBLM! Check. Em’ out, tons of info on these remarkable people and machines.

Mary Andersen June 19, 2026 (12:48 pm)

My nephew was one of the pilots. He text to tell us back here in Indiana that he would be in one of the helicopters. As a matter of security we cannot give his name but we are so proud of you “yellow tandy”.

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