Fighters scan U.S. skies

BY GLENN THRUSH AND CAROL EISENBERG | Newsday Washington Bureau

October 12, 2006

WASHINGTON - Dozens of combat aircraft rushed to the skies over New York, Washington and West Coast cities after yesterday's plane crash, the largest deployment of jet fighters over the United States since 9/11.

Within 10 minutes of the plane hitting the high-rise on East 72nd Street, North American Aerospace Defense Command brass scrambled jets over New York; within 20 minutes, fighters were patrolling Washington and other cities on both coasts, according to NORAD commander Adm. Tim Keating.

"I think the message to the terrorists is 'we're ready,'" he told reporters yesterday at his Colorado headquarters.

As of last night, all jets had been recalled but could be redeployed within 15 minutes.

Keating, who survived the 2001 Pentagon attack, said his "first thought" yesterday was that he was witnessing another Sept. 11. "I said, 'Oh, no, let's get busy.'"

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-Seaford) hailed NORAD's speed, saying, "Unlike Sept. 11, when there was so much confusion, it appears that the response was appropriate."

F-16s patrolled the skies above New York City in the weeks following the 2001 terror attack. Patrols have resumed several times over the city, most recently in late 2003.