<p>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Someone in the U.S. Air Force apparently watches the cartoon “Rick and Morty.”</p>
<p>An Air Force KC-10 Extender that flew out of Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday used the call sign “PIKLRICK” on a mission that saw it fly east over the Gulf of Oman, according to flight-tracking data. The KC-10A is an aircraft that refuels warplanes in flight. </p>
<p>The call sign appears to be a nod to an episode in which one of the titular characters in the Cartoon Network show turns himself into a pickle to escape a family therapy session. In it, the typically foul-mouthed, drunken scientist Rick Sanchez shouts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZp8sY06Qoc">“I’m Pickle Rick!"</a> as his grandson Morty stares at him with a sad look. </p>
<p>Asked about the call sign, U.S. Air Force spokeswoman Maj. Kay Magdalena Nissen said it came from “no particular reason other than a bit of morale for the crew.”</p>
<p>“We acknowledge that the call sign is not in accordance with our operational guidance and we’ve provided that feedback to the airmen involved,” Nissen said.</p>
<p>Warner Bros.’ Cartoon Network, which airs “Rick and Morty” during its nightly mature-themed segment known as “Adult Swim,” did not immediately respond to a request for comment. </p>
