Six US Army chinooks which flew past Sussex are believed to be on their way to Ireland for the visit of US President Joe Biden.
The helicopters are believed to have come from Germany via Belgium before heading to Lydd in Kent, near Hastings.
When seen above Sussex they were on their way to Cardiff, where they landed yesterday.
It comes as US President Joe Biden announced a four day trip to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from April 11.
President Biden is visiting to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, made to end 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles
The helicopters set off from Lydd Airport yesterday, flying directly over Hastings and Eastbourne before heading out to sea off the coast of Newhaven, Brighton, Worthing and Bognor.
A bystander said: "I was walking along the seafront and saw a loads of Chinooks flying overhead.
"I've seen people online talking about how their houses were shaking.
“From where I was, It felt and sounded like Brighton was under attack."
The helicopters then went past the Isle of Wight before heading up to Cardiff where they landed at around 2.55pm yesterday.
One aviation enthusiast told The Argus that “there are many flights from Germany and the States when the US President is around”.
They are said to be stuck in Cardiff due to bad weather.
The US Army has been approached for comment.
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