Send 'em up, I'll wait!

Overheard on the VHF Guard - Emergency Frequency - 121.5 MHz while flying from Europe to Dubai.

Iranian Air Defense Site: 'Unknown aircraft you are in Iranian airspace. Identify yourself..'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace.'

Air Defense Site: 'You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!'

Aircraft: 'This is a United States Marine Corps FA-18 fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!'

Air Defense Site: ( .... total silence)

God bless the United States of America and U.S. troops. There is something about a U.S. Marine that makes other countries listen to reason.

Courtesy of a covert American ally and intellectual in County Waterford, Ireland.

Name and location in the Deise County withheld for security reasons.