In a welcome break from the seriousness of military operations and holiday travel chaos, a U.S. Coast Guard aircrew brought a dose of seasonal cheer to the Caribbean skies — spelling out a festive “Ho Ho Ho” in mid-air over the waters off Puerto Rico.
According to Flightradar24, which captured the whimsical flight path and shared it on X, the helicopter in question — an MH-60T Jayhawk, tail number C6038 — was flying between Arecibo and Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen near Aguadilla when it began looping into large, deliberate letters. What looked like tight turns and routine holding patterns to the untrained eye quickly revealed themselves as something far jollier: Santa’s signature laugh, drawn across the digital sky.
🎄 Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk in Christmas mood 🎅#HOHOHO pic.twitter.com/FBZXSuYezo
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 7, 2025
The Coast Guard confirmed the maneuver was entirely intentional — and fully in the holiday spirit. The Jayhawk had VIP passengers aboard: Santa Claus and one of his trusty elves (or at least two Coast Guardsmen dressed as such), en route to a community holiday event in Aguadilla.
While waiting on final instructions for the event drop-off, the aircrew used the idle time to carve out their merry message over the sea.
“While waiting for final instructions to deliver Santa and his elf to the event, the aircrew flew a Ho Ho Ho holding pattern in the festive spirit of the occasion,” the Coast Guard told Task & Purpose. The maneuver was all in good fun, a nod to both the crew’s technical flying skills and their desire to spread some holiday joy in the skies above Puerto Rico.
The Jayhawk helicopter is no stranger to high-stakes missions — from search-and-rescue operations to law enforcement efforts — particularly in the often treacherous waters surrounding the island. But even the hardest-working crews can take a moment to share some light-hearted celebration.
“This time of year, our crews reflect on the year’s work and value taking a moment to share their mission and achievements by celebrating the joys of the holidays with their children, families, and the Aguadilla community,” the Coast Guard added.
Military aviators have a long tradition of playful artistry in the skies — drawing everything from holiday messages to “hang loose” hand symbols using clever flight paths. And while the occasional, ahem, less family-friendly image has brought unwanted attention in the past, this particular airborne greeting was all cheer and no controversy.
