D. Baxter Bobcat prowls Luke

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  It's not every day a bobcat is loose on Luke Air Force Base, but that was the case April 27 when Arizona Diamondbacks mascot D. Baxter Bobcat came for a tour and video shoot for an upcoming Diamondbacks game.

Baxter reported at 6:30 a.m. to work out with the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron, which included push-ups, sit-ups, jump rope and more in the combat fitness center. After a 30-minute workout that incorporated a formation run, Baxter "showered" and readied himself for an encounter with the military working dogs.
Baxter and his crew met the 56th Security Forces Squadron MWDs at the softball fields to watch them go through their paces. Marco, MWD, and Baxter became friends through the experience.

"It's not too often a dog and Baxter are on the same side, but those two worked great together to take down the bad guy," said one of Baxter's crew members.

The 56th Operations Support Squadron put Baxter in a flight suit and at the 61st Fighter Squadron, he learned what a pilot does on a typical day. Baxter took a trip to the flightline where he was videotaped inspecting an F-16 Fighting Falcon. He sat in the cockpit as a pilot explained its workings.

Baxter then donned the Battle Dress Uniform and learned the job of a crew chief, which included final checks before an F-16 takeoff.

At the end-of-runway, Baxter watched as crew chiefs launched F-16s and also coached him to marshal an aircraft.

In the air traffic control tower, Baxter observed as Airmen safely launched four F-16s and landed a KC-135 Stratotanker.

Baxter involved himself in many aspects of base life. Leaving the tower for the Ray V. Hensman Dining Facility, Baxter slipped on a chef's hat and apron to serve lunch to Luke Airmen. He greeted Airmen at the door and visited tables to make sure he met everyone.

Baxter's visit to Luke will play on the jumbotron during the July 4 Military Appreciation Day game when the Diamondbacks take on the L.A. Dodgers at Chase Field.