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Old 05-29-2020, 08:26 AM
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Exclamation American aircrews; why won't the Pentagon stop them?

American aircrews; why won't the Pentagon stop them?
By: Tom Rogan - Washington Examiner News - 05-29-20
Re: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/o...agon-stop-them

Photo link: https://mediadc.brightspotcdn.com/di...34ea0e%2F1.JPG
Two Russian Su-35 aircraft unsafely intercept a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft assigned to U.S. 6th Fleet over the Mediterranean Sea, May 26, 2020. (U.S. Navy photo) - U.S. 6th Fleet

It's not an easy time to serve on U.S. military reconnaissance aircraft.

After all, the past few weeks have seen those aircrews face repeated, aggressive interceptions by armed fighter aircraft from China and Russia. China's fighter aircraft have been harassing RC-135, P-8, or P-3 aircraft over the South China Sea. Russia is threatening P-8s over the Mediterranean Sea. The photo atop this article shows the most recent Russian interception this week.

This is a real problem.

While these incidents might seem like simple game playing, there is a real risk of miscalculation. Recall what happened in 2001, when a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft nearly went into the South China Sea after an aggressive Chinese fighter pilot crashed into it. Fortunately, the 24-strong aircrew were able to stabilize the plane and land at a Chinese military base.

The issue isn't simply the risk of pilot error, it's also the threat of wake turbulence. Neither Chinese nor Russian fighter pilots are trying to kill Americans here, but by flying erratic high-speed maneuvers in front of the U.S. aircraft, they create wake turbulence, which puts the U.S. crews at risk of losing control. If enough turbulence is created, the Americans could die.

To be clear, the Chinese and Russians are increasingly willing to take that chance. They know it's a possibility, even if remote, every time they fly one of these little stunts. But what's most striking here is not that Beijing and Moscow are taking such risks with American lives, Beijing and Moscow are our two top adversaries, after all. What's most striking is the Pentagon's apparent disinterest in taking action to protect the reconnaissance flights. Asking just that question, my emails to European Command's operations and media arms went unresponded. Similarly, the Pacific Fleet refused to provide any information as to whether steps would be taken to protect its forces.

This is silly. Without firing a shot, the United States can put an end to these threats. For a start, the U.S. military can track these interceptors long before they get to their targets. That gives time to prepare. In turn, and now that these interceptions have become a regular event, why isn't the U.S. military flying fighter escorts when trouble approaches?

There's no good excuse.

In the Russian case, the U.S. Air Force has two F-16 fighter squadrons, which could be redeployed from their northern Italy base to Sicily, where the P-8s are based. Those fighters could then counter-intercept the Russians as necessary. Seeing as a significant Russian motive here is the creation of "show America who is boss" style propaganda messaging, the F-16s would likely put a quick end to the Russian games. After all, these F-16 pilots, and their avionics and weapons systems, are far superior to their Russian counterparts. Russia does not want a video released showing the F-16s repeatedly dominating its own forces in dogfights.

The same principle applies to China's challenge.

The Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is currently in the Philippine Sea and has completed or will very shortly complete its air wing's requalification. That means it could and should be sent to the South China Sea to provide escort cover for the reconnaissance flights. With more than 40 F-18s under its deck, the carrier has potent means of deterring Chinese escalation.

There is a broader point here.

Both China and Russia take very significant influence from their perception of American vulnerability or weakness. Considering the strategic challenges both nations pose to the U.S., our interests, and our allies, it does not make sense to suggest we are scared. Indeed, it is very dangerous to adopt that thinking. The Chinese are conducting these interceptions in an effort to scare the U.S. military out of the South China Sea, and thus secure their own imperial hold over those waters. The Russians are doing this in order to undermine NATO's southern flank and pressure President Trump into believing the U.S. military should be brought home. Neither outcome is tolerable for American interests.

Nor should it be tolerable for American aircrews to be left undefended in the face of the enemy. It's time for the Pentagon to protect its people and the nation's prestige.
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O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
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