I was wondering about the IFF my own self.
On the other hand, incidents of friendly fire go back to all wars.
I know of three incidents from the Gulf War involving Patriot, who I believe was responsible for all the coalition air casualties in Gulf War I. One was an RAF major flying outside of designated air lanes who had turned off his transponder. Two others were Marines flying together. One had developed engine trouble and decided to land at the nearest coalition airfield. There was a Patriot radar at the end of runway which was “skin tracking” the Marines. One target separating from another and flying straight at the radar looks like an antiradiation missile to the Patriot computer and the Patriot commander. Needless to say they fired, effectively. The first Marine’s wingman decided to join him at the emergency landing site. Same result.
It was subsequently decided that since the Patriot was a bigger hazard to friendlies than the enemy was to Patriot or any other coalition asset, in the future all engagements would have to be cleared with E-3 AWACS Air Boss, who had the advantage of experience, the big picture, and the voice of the Holy Ghost.
I was wondering, the Navy has a very capable E-2 AWACS, not as much punch as his Air Force big brother, but capable enough. I wonder if the Gettysburg was in communication with the E-2?