Climate activists call for end to Blue Angels airshow in Seattle over pollution concerns

July 27, 2025, 13:30 EDT

A growing group of Seattle-based climate activists is demanding an end to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ participation in the city’s annual Seafair airshow, citing environmental concerns and local disruptions. Their criticism comes alongside a lawsuit from a Seattle resident, who claims the noise from the jets contributed to the death of her elderly cat.

Environmental groups protest military airshow

The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron composed of 140 active-duty Sailors and Marines, has been a staple of Seattle’s Seafair festival since 1972. While the team’s aerial acrobatics are widely viewed as a patriotic and crowd-pleasing spectacle, this year’s performance is drawing organized opposition.

A coalition of local environmental advocates, including the Airshow Climate Action Coalition and members of Extinction Rebellion, have launched a public campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of the airshow.

This week, the coalition unveiled a billboard in Seattle featuring protest imagery and the message: “Say No to Blue Angels.” The graphic depicts individuals covering their ears in distress and others raising fists in protest.

At the billboard’s unveiling on Tuesday, demonstrators carried signs reading “Demilitarize Seafair” and “No military airshows.” Organizers say they are planning a march and rally on August 2 to protest the scheduled airshow events.

Activists highlight emissions and military messaging

Environmental advocates argue that military airshows send the wrong message about climate responsibility, particularly in the face of a global climate crisis.

Aedan McCall, a climate activist and artist who designed the billboard, criticized both the environmental and ideological implications of the event. McCall, a former Mercer Island resident, told The Seattle Times that the Blue Angels’ performances represent “a big display of U.S. militarism” and contribute significant greenhouse gas emissions.

“The sheer amount of carbon emissions the Blue Angels create—670 tons in one weekend—is immense and wasteful,” McCall said.

Organizers also point out that while city policies increasingly emphasize sustainability, events like the Seafair airshow may undermine local climate goals.

Kimberly Larson, a Seattle-based community organizer, launched an online petition calling for an end to the Blue Angels’ participation in future Seafair festivals. The petition has gained over 5,000 signatures.

Lawsuit blames jet noise for cat’s death

In a separate but related development, a Seattle woman has filed a federal lawsuit against the Blue Angels, claiming the airshow’s noise caused fatal stress to her ailing pet.

Lauren Ann Lombardi alleges that the sound of low-flying F/A-18 fighter jets triggered repeated panic attacks in her 14-year-old cat, who was already in critical condition due to congestive heart failure. Lombardi says the distress from the airshow ultimately led to the animal’s euthanasia in August 2024.

Filed in federal court on Monday, the lawsuit accuses the Blue Angels of subjecting residents to “state-sanctioned acoustic torture.”

In addition to the emotional harm caused by the airshow, Lombardi alleges her First Amendment rights were violated after she posted profane criticisms of the Blue Angels on their official Instagram account. She claims her comments were deleted and her account was blocked, and is now seeking a court order to reverse the block and prevent further viewpoint-based censorship by the military squadron.

Navy has not issued public response

As of publication, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have not responded to media requests for comment regarding the protests or the pending lawsuit.

The Blue Angels, founded in 1946, are one of the most well-known military demonstration teams in the world. According to their official website, their mission is to “showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach.”

While the squadron’s shows draw millions of spectators annually, debates over their cost, environmental footprint, and symbolism have intensified in recent years, particularly in more progressive cities like Seattle.

Broader debate over military airshows

The protest in Seattle echoes similar concerns raised in other U.S. cities, where local activists have questioned the use of taxpayer resources on military displays during a time of heightened climate awareness.

Critics argue that military airshows are not only environmentally harmful but also normalize militarism and noise pollution in civilian communities.

Supporters of the Blue Angels counter that the events inspire patriotism, encourage military recruitment, and provide educational value to the public. They also point to the economic boost that large-scale airshows can bring to host cities through tourism and local spending.

What comes next?

As the Seafair airshow approaches, tensions between local organizers, federal agencies, and environmental advocates appear likely to grow.

Activists say their August 2 protest will continue as planned, and legal proceedings related to Lombardi’s lawsuit may shape future conversations around the limits of protest, free speech, and government-sponsored events.

The outcome of the legal and public pressure campaigns remains uncertain, but the controversy has sparked renewed discussion over the intersection of environmental sustainability, community well-being, and military tradition.