The Military View Of The Washington ADIZ Incursion
E-I-C Note:
The follwing story was sent to ANN by the American Forces Press
Service... and presents an interesting view of yesterday's
insanity. It makes for an interesting read...
The military's actions when a small private plane strayed into
the no-fly zone over the nation’s capital area May 11 were
"just a normal response" that demonstrates the Air National Guard
continues to be "ready to respond at a moment's notice," a member
of the unit involved said.
Airmen from the District of Columbia Air National Guard's 121st
Fighter Squadron scrambled at noon to intercept the stray Cessna
aircraft after it violated airspace restrictions. The incident
sparked evacuations at the White House and Capitol.
Two F-16 Fighting Falcons took off from Andrews Air Force Base,
Md. The Guardsmen approached the aircraft and used short-wave
radios to signal its pilot, said Master Sgt. Arthur Powell, 113th
Wing spokesman.
The fighter jets fired four warning flares to get the pilot's
attention, then escorted the aircraft out of restricted airspace to
a local airport in nearby Frederick, Md., according to a statement
issued by North American Aerospace Defense Command.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that a Black Hawk
helicopter assigned to the Department of Homeland Security also
escorted the plane.
After the mission, the F-16s returned to Andrews, NORAD
officials said.
The aircraft came within three miles of the White House before
turning west, Mr. McClellan said. The threat level at the White
House was raised to red -- the highest level -- at 12:03 p.m.,
before the interception was successful, he said.
By 12:11 p.m., the
threat level returned to yellow, and the "all clear" was issued
three minutes later, he said.
Sergeant Powell called the interception mission "a standard
response" to threats against the U.S. capital.
He said aircraft occasionally stray into the no-fly zone over
the national capital area, particularly during sunny days.
The 113th Wing, which includes the 121st Fighter Squadron, has
served on rotational duty supporting Operation Noble Eagle since
shortly after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Sergeant
Powell said.
"This is one reason the D.C. area should feel secure," he said.
"(Today’s reaction) shows we're ready to respond at a
moment's notice."