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(5) 0651Z
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(a) (S) "GW" identified TN 4131 as Iranian F-14 (BRG 024/RNG 28) over CMEF Execution net. Indicated intention to engage at 20 NM unless he turned away. Asked "GB" if he concurred. "GB' told USS VINCENNES to warn aircraft first before firing. (IO Exhibit 203).
(b) (U) In the limited time available, CJTFME could not verify the information passed by USS VINCENNES on TN 4131. ( p. 859; p. 446).
U
(c) (S) (TAO-SIDES) recalled first being alerted to TN 4131 when USS VINCENNES reported an F-14 over CMEF Execution Net p. 247).
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(d) (S) (SIDES) recalled hearing USS VINCENNES report "birds affirm" on TN 4131 when it was at 30 NM. (IO Exhibit 54).
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(e) (S) (AAWC) recalled altitude a 8–9 kft at 30 NM and ordered continuous challenge until engagement. (IO Exhibit 204 p. 730).
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(f) (S) The following MAD challenge was issued by USS VINCENNES: "Iranian' fighter on course 210, speed 353, altitude 7000 ft. you are approaching US Naval warship, operating in international waters. If you maintain current course you are standing into danger and are subject to USN defense measures. Request you change-course 270 repeat 270." (SIDES) recalled hearing this report. USS VINCENNES's system data indicated the same course, speed, and altitude. (IO Exhibit 203, , p. 171).
U
(g) (S) An IAD challenge was issued by USS VINCENNES to TN 4131: "Unidentified aircraft on course 207, speed 350, altitude 7000. You are approaching US Naval warship bearing 205, 30 miles from you. Your identity is not known, your intentions are not clear. You are standing into danger and may be subject to USN defensive measures. Request you alter course immediately to 270." USS VINCENNES's system data indicated the same. (IO Exhibits 91 & 2O3).
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(h) (S) USS VINCENNES's systems held TN 4131 at an altitude of 7000 ft at 29 NM. (IO Exhibit 91).
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(i) (S) (SIDES) recalled challenging TN 4131 after "GS's" report and reading an IFF altitude of 7,000
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