[Steve Van Doorn]

"When I was in the Navy back in the 70’s this was a common occurrence."

that is what I was thinking.. But what was our response back then? We just play games back or what?

[doc1019]

All the Russian aircraft that buzzed us were closely followed by multitudes of carrier launched American aircraft. All just a game, a serious game, but a game nonetheless.

[ATCNavyRetiree]

"When I was in the Navy back in the 70’s this was a common occurrence."

Bullshit...they were quickly intercepted by our Tomcats, and in most cases were ordered and not-so-kindly directed AWAY from the battle group. If they got too close, as a last resort the Tomcat driver would place his jet under the bomb-bay doors of the Bear or Backfire....

[Ronin]

Of course we did.

I know for a fact that we had ships sniffing around outside of Vladivostok on a regular basis in the late 80s. I imagine we still do. I’ve heard some of the stories the bubbleheads tell about sneaking in close on their ships. It’s routine, but its also dangerous.

[Non-Sequitur]

But what was our response back then? We just play games back or what?

The same as now. Intercept them a ways away from the carrier and escort them while in the vicinity. I was on active duty in the 70's and 80's and when we were in the Med or eastern Atlantic overflights were common.