I wish i could varify this.

**deathgodusmc** · 12-18-10, 09:45 AM

In addition to communicating with the local Air Traffic Control facility, all
aircraft in the Persian Gulf AOR are required to give the Iranian Air Defense
Radar (military) a ten minute 'heads up' if they will be transiting Iranian
airspace.

The following conversation was heard on the VHF Guard (emergency) frequency 121.5 MHz.

Iranian Air Defense Radar: 'Unknown aircraft, you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself.'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'
Air Defense Radar: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace
we will launchinterceptor aircraft!'
Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait.'
Air Defense Radar: (total silence)

This was sent to me in an email by a friend. I tried to change the letter color to make it easier to view but some will not change. I found it funny at least.

**Arreo** · 12-18-10, 09:54 AM

Iranian Air Defense - snopes.com

Unknown, but opinion seems to be that it is unlikely.

**bust331** · 12-18-10, 09:57 AM

This reminds me of the story where the US navy radios a lighthouse without realizing it's a lighthouse...

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**enf** · 12-18-10, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Arreo

Iranian Air Defense - snopes.com

Unknown, but opinion seems to be that it is unlikely.

JoeBentley's post on there gives some more detail:

Point 1. Challenges are not broadcast on VHF Guard. And 121.5 MHz is not Guard in the sense being used here. 121.5 MHz is international distress, used by emergency beacons and such.

Point 2. You never identify yourself to that degree when initiating a challenge or responding to one. The correct response would of been something along the lines of "United States Aircraft" not specifically "United States Marine Corp F/A-18." When responding to a challenge you identify yourself only in the vaguest terms necessary.

Even on Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers, which even at many miles simply cannot be mistaken for anything else on the planet, refer to ourselves when responding to challenges only using the generic term "United States Warship."

Now even granting that this story is still someone within the realm of possibility. Iran routinely challenges US Forces in the area, challenges happen almost constantly while we transit the straights of Hormuz for instance. And yes Iran often does take a harsher tone on those challenges until they they learn they are talking to US Forces.

Still don't see an exchange like this happening though.