The Air Force’s premiere pilot training base got a ‘wink’ from big Air Force’s Instagram page Christmas Eve.
Early Christmas Eve, Laughlin Air Force Base’s Instagram page ( ( posted a picture of the 85th Flying Training Squadron’s flagship aircraft flying in blue skies with the following post
“Members from the 85th Flying Training Squadron have been flying increased operations in Del Rio, Texas, using their heritage tail T-6 dubbed the “Cookie Monster”. Unofficial reports suggest the 85th FTS and Laughlin Air Force Base are trying to attract a person of interest using this aircraft. Clues are scarce, but a maintainer who did not want to be identified said, the person’s call sign is SC, they’re an avid pilot with over 200,000 flying hours, loves milk and cookies and visits Del Rio during December 24-25.”
The photo was credited to Master Sgt. JT May III, who is the 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs’ superintendent..
Several hours later, what turned into a nice local post went viral when the U.S. Air Force’s Instagram reshared the photo. The suddenly super-charged photo quickly went into orbit like Santa’s sleigh, collecting more than 20,000 post likes and more than 100 comments.
One came from an Air Force mom, Momma_d_qb, who said, “This just made my day! Get to see my Airman tomorrow, can’t wait.”
Many were enthusiastic about the Laughlin T-6 Texan II paint scheme, with lots of suggestions. One commenter requested a visit to Florida from the aircraft and another wanted Laughlin maintainers paint it up like Santa’s sleigh next year.
Another popular Laughlin video posted to their social media was this, called Cockpit Karaoke that is here.
