[buccaneer81]

Has anybody provided a satisfactory explanation why an empty Airforce One plane flying around on a photo op needed an F16 escort?

Because, like the White House, it's a high value target even if the Pres..ent isn't there.

[skeeter]

Because, like the White House, it's a high value target even if the Pres..ent isn't there.

All the more reason to doubt the official explanation - "a photo op".