F-16s to intercept mock attackers over Phoenix
Updated: May 09, 2013 5:46 AM MDT PHOENIX (AP) – Arizona Air National Guard F-16 fighters will be flying over downtown Phoenix Thursday as they practice intercepting hostile aircraft intent on a terrorist attack. The F-16s from the Tucson-based 162nd Fighter Wing plan to run a series of interceptions from different approaches between 11:30 and 1 p.m. Capt. Jason Gutierrez of the Air Guard says the fighters are from squadron’s alert detachment, which provides a rapid reaction force over the region in case of an attack. The Western Air Defense Sector exercises also involve a Lear Jet 35A business jet and Civil Air Patrol planes. Similar exercises have been conducted since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks follow this story on MyFoxPhoenix.com
