Tensions are rising in Seattle as climate activists and residents speak out against the upcoming U.S. Navy Blue Angels airshow, part of the city’s annual Seafair celebration. Organizers from the Airshow Climate Action Coalition say the event contributes to excessive pollution, promotes militarism, and creates harmful noise disturbances in the community.
This year, the protests have taken a sharper tone. The coalition, backed by local environmental groups and Extinction Rebellion, unveiled a new billboard in downtown Seattle reading “Say No to Blue Angels.” The image shows distressed people covering their ears, alongside others raising fists in protest.
The Blue Angels, a prestigious flight demonstration team made up of active-duty U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel, has been performing at Seafair since 1972. Their high-speed, precision flying draws large crowds, but for many residents and activists, the show has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about climate change, military influence, and community health.
Pollution and Public Impact
Activists argue that the airshow is not just loud—it’s environmentally irresponsible. According to protest organizers, the jets burn thousands of gallons of jet fuel during each performance, producing around 670 tons of carbon emissions over the course of a single weekend.
Artist and activist Aedan McCall, who designed the protest billboard, said the annual jet noise drove him to move out of Seattle after living on Mercer Island for over a decade. He described the show as not only wasteful but symbolic of aggressive U.S. militarism, which he believes should not be celebrated in a time of ecological crisis.
Kimberly Larson, a local organizer, launched a petition calling for the cancellation of the Blue Angels show. The petition has already received more than 5,000 signatures, showing growing public support for reconsidering the military’s role in local events.
Lawsuit Over a Cat
Adding to the controversy, a Seattle resident has filed a federal lawsuit against the Blue Angels. Lauren Ann Lombardi claims that the sound of the jets traumatized her sick, elderly cat, which was already suffering from congestive heart disease. The noise, she says, triggered panic attacks that worsened the cat’s condition and ultimately led to its euthanasia in August 2024.
In her legal filing, Lombardi also accuses the Blue Angels of censoring her comments on social media. After posting criticism of the Navy squadron on Instagram—some of it laced with profanity—her account was blocked from interacting with the page. She argues that this constitutes a violation of her First Amendment rights and is seeking a court order to reverse the block and prevent the Blue Angels from silencing other critical voices online.
Growing Movement Against Military Airshows
Protesters are planning a rally on August 2, the day before the airshow is scheduled to take off. Signs such as “Demilitarize Seafair” and “No military airshows” reflect a broader push to separate public festivals from military displays. Activists are calling for alternatives that highlight environmental sustainability, arts, and cultural events instead of showcasing military aircraft.
The Blue Angels have not responded publicly to the criticisms or the lawsuit. Their official website says the team’s mission is to demonstrate the “precision and power of naval aviation” and to inspire excellence and service.
Yet the protests raise difficult questions. As climate concerns intensify, more communities may begin to reevaluate the environmental and social costs of traditional events like military airshows. While supporters see the Blue Angels as a proud symbol of national defense and aerial excellence, critics say the time has come to rethink what these displays truly represent.
