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US navy grounds pilot for drawing 'obscene' image with warplane

The US navy has grounded a pilot for drawing an 'obscene' image with a warplane - AFP
The US navy has grounded a pilot for drawing an 'obscene' image with a warplane - AFP

The US navy has launched an investigation over an “obscene” image drawn in the sky using a multi-million-dollar warplane.

Unimpressed navy officials say the pilot could face possible disciplinary action over the enormous phallic sky art he created using the condensation trails from his EA-18G Growler jet.

Navy officials said that the pilot “left a condensed air trail resembling an obscene image to observers on the ground” over the town of Okanogan, Washington.

The aircrew, whose actions were condemned for being “unacceptable” by the navy, have been grounded while an investigation into the incident is carried out.

“The actions of this aircrew were wholly unacceptable and antithetical to navy core values,” said Lt-Cdr Leslie Hubbell, a spokeswoman for the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.

“We have grounded the aircrew and are conducting a thorough investigation - and we will hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

“The navy apologises for this irresponsible and immature act.”

Residents who saw the phallic symbol were both shocked and amused by the stunt, photos of which were widely shared on social media.

“After it made the circles at the bottom, I knew what it was and started laughing,” Ramon Duran told The Spokesman-Review. 

“It was pretty funny to see that. You don't expect to see something like that.”

One mother told KREM 2 she was upset that she might have had to explain what the drawing was to her young children.

Anahi Torres saw the funny side tweeting: “The most monumental thing to happen in Omak. A penis in the sky.”

Another joked: “This is ART. So much beauty, and elegance.”