[ScreamingFist]

The Navy and teh NSA had absolutely foolishly sent it there alone and unannounced

Clue 1, announcing the arrival and departure of intelligence gathering ships and aircraft would have a rather serious impact on their effectiveness. Clue 2, intelligence gathering ships and aircraft are clearly marked.

[bvw]

Neutral military observers have been part of most wars I've read of. There are standard procedures to follow -- you let your warring host know and usually approve of where you are going and when. It keeps mistakes like this from happening.

In war, false flags are flown -- not too often -- but often enough and with devastating results if not countered that unless the potential combatant is positively identified -- by radio calls, for example -- you just take them out and ask questions later. Hot war does not provide the decorum and comfort of asking questions first. That politeness is deadly -- suicidal.