Okanogan residents were curious about circles being drawn in the sky when a full image emerged. Calls were made to the Naval Air Station in Whidbey Island which ultimately claimed responsibility for the drawing with the disappointingly terse response for the cocky pilot: “this [is] absolutely unacceptable, of zero training value and we are holding the crew accountable.”
“Zero training value?” That is a curious response from a military wing that uses the terms “blow thru”; “chicks” (for friendly aircraft); “naked” (for no enemy information); “Bitchin’ Betty” (for aircraft warning systems); “nutt to but” for lining up in close formation; “pucker factor” (for dangerous missions); and “stripped” (for leaving formation).
It appears however that the pilot is facing “chaff” (or countermeasures) for his aerial art.