Air National Guard fighter jets respond quickly to stray aircraft

  • Published
  • By Donna Miles
  • American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  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."