NORAD sent aloft several fighter aircraft at various bases around the country Oct. 11 in response to the airplane that crashed into a New York City high rise—just in case. An initial statement said: “While every indication is that today’s crash was an accident, NORAD leadership sees the deployment of the fighters as a prudent measure at this time.” The scramble, which NORAD said came within “minutes after the crash,” included fighters, tankers, and an E-3 AWACS. News reports from around the country identified some of the aircraft: F-16s from Michigan and Texas Air National Guard units and F-15s from the Massachusetts ANG.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
