You have commented 338 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Home Front
Missiles deployed around D.C...
2002-09-10
The U.S. military began deploying anti-aircraft missiles at the Pentagon and bases around Washington on Monday for an exercise to test a multi-layered defense of the national capital region, defense officials said.
Just by coincidence...
"Avenger" anti-aircraft systems — heat-seeking Stinger missiles on wheeled Humvee military jeeps — will be stationed at the bases for at least four days beginning on Tuesday, including Wednesday's anniversary of Sept. 11 hijack airliner attacks on America. The officials, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters the "Clear Skies 2" exercise did not call for missiles to carry live warheads.
But I'll bet they're within pretty short arm's reach...
The exercise, similar to one held in the summer, will test the integration of F-16 fighter jets protecting Washington with missiles, radar and emergency communications between the military and civilian agencies.
Posted by:Fred Pruitt

#2  This just in. Good call!
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Sep2002/b09102002_bt460-02.html

NEWS RELEASE from the United States Department of Defense

No. 460-02
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2002


DOD CHANGES STATUS OF AIR DEFENSE EXERCISE

The Secretary of Defense announced today a transition of air defense assets from Exercise Clear Skies II into an Operation Noble Eagle deployment. This transition involves the movement of missiles from storage in the local area to the deployed systems, beginning later today.

This is not a response to any specific threat, but is a prudent precaution to increase the radar and air defense posture in the National Capital Region. For security and deterrent reasons, we will not disclose exact locations of the air defense equipment.
Posted by: Alicia   2002-09-10 13:50:26  

#1  Fox TV just announced that Rumsfeld said the Avenger systems will be armed. Nothing on their site yet.
Posted by: Kathy   2002-09-10 13:48:27  

00:00