U.S. MARINE PILOT WITH ATTITUDE, SEMPER FI

OFF THE WIRE
U.S. MARINE PILOT WITH ATTITUDE-----------------

In addition to communicating with the local Air Traffic Control
facility, all aircraft in the Persian Gulf AOR are required to give
the Iranian Military Air Defense Radar a ten minute 'heads up' if
they will be transmitting in Iranian airspace.
The following conversation was heard on the VHF Guard (emergency)
frequency 121.5 MHz.  (See below photo)

Iranian Air Defense Radar:  "Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian
airspace.  Identify yourself."
Aircraft:  "This is a United States 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:  (total silence)
                                                WARMS MY HEART..........