According to a Marine Pilot:
In addition to communicating with the local Air Traffic Control facility, all aircraft in the Persian Gulf AOR are required to give the Iranian Air Defense Radar (military) a ten minute 'heads up' if they will be transiting Iranian airspace.
This is a common procedure for commercial aircraft and involves giving them your call sign, transponder code, type aircraft, and points of origin and destination.
I just flew with a guy who overheard this conversation on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai. It's too good not to pass along. The conversation went something like this...
Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft at (location unknown), you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United State s aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'
Air Defense Radar: (no response ... total silence)
Semper Fi!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I'll Wait...
Forwarded by Simi L. I have no idea if this is real or not, but I like it!
I and some of my Marine buddies exchange these things. Keep them coming.
ReplyDeleteThis November 10th, I was proud to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday with my son for the first time. He had graduated from USMC recruit training Nov 5th. He is currently at the School Of Infantry on Camp Pendleton and then he is off to Air Crewman and SERE training.
He and several of buddies from his training unit had a few hours liberty during Thanksgiving and spent them with us. Though as a parent I'm concerned for my Son's safety but speaking with them it is clear they are as motivated as any Marines I've ever known and better trained and equipped by far. Even more so than during the 80s when I was active.
I wish them fair winds and a following sea.
Semper Fi Marines