UPDATE, MAY 14, 2019: A Navy investigation published Tuesday in Navy Times found the image was the work of two junior officers from Electronic Attack Squadron 130 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
“Draw a giant penis,” the electronic warfare officer said, according to the report. “That would be awesome.”
“I could definitely draw one, that would be easy,” the pilot later responded. “I could basically draw a figure eight and turn around and come back. I’m gonna go down, grab some speed and hopefully get out of the contrail layer so they’re not connected to each other.”
Squadron members said those involved were fine people. Discipline was not disclosed, citing privacy.
“This was a really bad decision by some really good guys in a really good squadron," a squadron officer's statement said, according to Navy Times.
ORIGINAL TEXT, NOV. 17, 2017: thursday afternoon in the skies over Omak, Taryn Thomas looked up to see a Navy EA-18G Growler doing a bit of skywriting.
At first, he thought the pilot was doing figure eights.
But the pilot didn't stop there.
"Once he tied that figure eight together he shot straight up and made it into his creation," Thomas told KIRO 7.
The pilot's creation looked like a penis in the sky, and many people saw it and posted photos online.
While many online found it humorous, some families in the Omak area were upset over the images that they may have to explain to young children.
"My neighbor was outside and I yelled at him, 'Hey man, what does that look like to you?" Thomas said.
Thomas' video had 2.1 million views by mid-day Friday.
"I know some people can be pissed. It's our tax dollars being burned up there. I don't have too many thoughts on it. It's just funny to me, just a little joke," Thomas said.
The Navy is not amused.
KIRO 7 asked for an interview with commanders at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Instead, officials sent a statement from Vice Admiral Mike Shoemaker, commander of the Naval Air Forces.
"Sophomoric and immature antics of a sexual nature have no place in Naval aviation today. We will investigate this incident to get all the facts and act accordingly."
"The American people rightfully expect that those who wear the Wings of Gold exhibit a level of maturity commensurate with the missions and aircraft with which they've been entrusted. Naval aviation continually strives to foster an environment of dignity and respect. Sophomoric and immature antics of a sexual nature have no place in Naval aviation today. We will investigate this incident to get all the facts and act accordingly. This event clearly stands in stark contrast to the way our aviators and Sailors are performing with utmost professionalism, discipline and excellence from our carrier flight decks and expeditionary airfields around the world today."
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