Clear the Skies - 9/11 Air Defense

Amazon.com Strategic response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 is thoroughly analyzed in the riveting BBC documentary Clear the Skies: 9/11 Air Defense. This hourlong program examines the events on 9/11 from the perspective of U.S. domestic defense, beginning at 8:30 a.m., shortly before the first hijacked jet struck the World Trade Center towers, and ending late that afternoon when President Bush safely returned to Washington, D.C. Dozens of startling details are revealed, including the fact that only four Air Force fighters were available to defend the entire Northeastern United States; the blast doors in the North American Air Defense command center, deep within Colorado's Cheyenne Mountain, were closed for the first time since operations began in 1966; and President Bush assured reporters on Air Force One that "two-bit thugs" would not keep America down (a candid off-the-record expression of Bush's anger). What emerges from this chronological account is the sobering conclusion that America was unprepared for this "new kind of war." But Clear the Skies also demonstrates how admirable efficiency prevailed under extreme circumstances, as Air Force pilots, reporters, and government officials share their memories of those unforgettable hours. Emphasis is placed on procedures that grounded nearly 5,000 aircraft to achieve an unprecedented state of "Air Traffic Control Zero." Actual radar footage shows how quickly this was accomplished, and a step-by-step analysis of the day's events (using file footage, photos, and dramatic reenactments) shows how the protection of America's executive chain of command was 100% successful. With a compelling combination of split-screen images and deep-background investigation, Clear the Skies offers an all-access pass to the complexities of air defense. Among the many fine DVDs that chronicle 9/11 from a variety of perspectives, this is one of the best. --Jeff Shannon Product Description Clear the Skies (DVD) The very idea of the United States being attacked by air was unimaginable and unexpected. On the morning of September 11, 2001, 14 fighter planes, dispersed among seven bases, were responsible for the country's mainland air defense; four alone responsible for the entire North East. At 9:44 a.m. an order was given that had never been attempted before, to go to Condition Air Traffic Control Zero - to clear the skies of all non-military aircraft. At that time, roughly 4,836 commercial and private planes were flying over the United States and in less than three hours the clear the skies order was fully carried out. This is the story of how, minute-by-minute, America's air defense as well as those responsible for the President's and other government officials' safety responded when the horrific events of 9/11 unfolded. Discover intriguing personal accounts from this unforgettable day as fighter pilots, air defense officials, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Lynne Cheney and those who were with the President at key moments tell their stories. ]]>
ASIN: B0009IW89Y
VSKU: 4EKGRJ00AS5C_ns
Condition: Good
Binding: DVD
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
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