U.S. Deploys Anti-Aircraft Missiles in Washington

Reuters.com ^ | 9/9/02

[GeneD]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military began deploying anti-aircraft missiles at the Pentagon and bases around Washington on Monday for an exercise to test a multi-layered defense of the national capital region, defense officials said.

"Avenger" anti-aircraft systems -- heat-seeking Stinger missiles on wheeled Humvee military jeeps -- will be stationed at the bases for at least four days beginning on Tuesday, including Wednesday's anniversary of Sept. 11 hijack airliner attacks on America.

The officials, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters the "Clear Skies 2" exercise did not call for missiles to carry live warheads. The exercise, similar to one held in the summer, will test the integration of F-16 fighter jets protecting Washington with missiles, radar and emergency communications between the military and civilian agencies.

The military began deploying some of the missile-carrying vehicles around the Pentagon and other bases on Monday and one defense official said Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld could order live missiles moved from stand-by to full alert on the launchers.

[PJeffQ]

Avenger (Vehicle-Mounted Stinger)

[tall_tex]

All they are doing is having an "EXCERCISE". If I lived in D.C. all I would be doing this week is taking a long "VACATION". If I were a Muslum having a revial for Islam near the Washington Monument on 9/11. I would think twice. Nothing to see here, move on... HE-HE.. I got their first, I hope.

[tall_tex]

Did you note that they will not have "Live war heads". Of course in D.C., where they believe everything the government tells them since they are either government employee's or on the government dole, will buy that line. Vacation works... Please D.C'er's, I beg you, do not come to Texas. New Jersey is good, Mass. works, N.Y. will do, M.D., that is OK too.. Just don't mess with Texas.

[tall_tex]

Did you note that they will not have "Live war heads". Of course in D.C., where they believe everything the government tells them since they are either government employee's or on the government dole, will buy that line. Vacation works... Please D.C'er's, I beg you, do not come to Texas. New Jersey is good, Mass. works, N.Y. will do, M.D., that is OK too.. Just don't mess with Texas.

[tall_tex]

Woop's, needless to say I am a newbie, sorry for the double post.

[jwfiv]

A newbie? I thought your handle seemed a might unfamiiar there, pardner. Welcome to the neighborhood.

[rmlew]

Stingers?
Don't they have 5 pound fragmentational warheads?
How much will that do to an airliner with a pilot who wants to die? Come on. They need a Amraam, Sparrow, or Pheonix.

[Tailgunner Joe]

bttt

[andy_card]

They need a Amraam, Sparrow, or Pheonix.

Patriot?

[rmlew]

Patriot
Those would be nice, as would Hawk anti-aircraft batteries. An Aegis cruiser or destroyer would work nicely, but they cost 1 billion.

[andy_card]

Those would be nice, as would Hawk anti-aircraft batteries. An Aegis cruiser or destroyer would work nicely, but they cost 1 billion.

A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking real money.