Lackland AFB, TX – The photo, dated August 23, appeared on Facebook in early October, with the caption: “Da Dumpt, Da Dumpt… Sucks 2 Be U” scribbled on the bottom. Published in the Air Force Times, the image has sparked outrage from soldiers and military wives and widows appalled by the display.

The photo, dated August 23, shows a group of airmen at Lackland Air Force Base.

Display comes a month after reports that the Air Force mortuary mishandled remains of hundreds of troops.

The photo shows a group of male and female soldiers wearing fatigues, and crossing their arms to make “X” signs, as they gather around a fellow airman who appears lifeless lying in a metal casket used to transport fallen soldiers.

The soldiers’ names have not yet been released. However, it is believed they are “Port Dogs” who load planes, and were attending Air Transportation technical school. Military officials said they are from the 345th Training Squadron in Fort Lee, Virginia. Their unit is a detachment from a command at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

An investigation was launched after the photo was forwarded to Air Education and Training Command, the overall training command for the Air Force, for comment. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said: “We take this matter seriously. [Air Education and Training Command] has initiated a commander directed investigation.

“Such behavior is not consistent with our core values, and it is not representative of the Airmen I know. It saddens me that this may cause additional grief to the families of our fallen warriors.”

However, it was not known if any charges could be brought against the soldiers, or if any rules had been violated.