This is comlete BS. A training excercise does not involve a single F-16 buzzing a civilian area. These people are disgusting.
Lets assume for a minute that it was, as they say, a "training mission". As a pilot of more than 30 years I ask, training for what?
Lets assume for a minute that it was, as they say, a "photo op". Why in the world would they do an unannounced photo op flight resulting in numerous buildings in NY and NJ to be evacuated when millions of pictures of the Statue of Liberty exist and millions of picture of Air Force One exist and any two of which could easily be photoshopped together to create the desired image?
This one stinks to high heaven.....
I expect the photographer was in the F-16. I’m not sure how functional the rear seat of an F-16 is when it comes to photography, but at least it could keep up with the 747. I also suspect the term ‘training mission’ is used to describe any flight that is not directly associated with transporting the TOTUS.
Of course after all is said and done the justification is being provided by an administration that has absolutely NO respect for reality or the truth.
I am appalled at the inability, and the unwillingness, of so many Americans to appreciate the difference in professionalism and abilities between the current pretender and his predecessor. Or any other who has ever held the office, excepting Carter and one or two of those guys years and years ago.