CAPE CANAVERAL - A pair of F-15s fighter jets roared over Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday morning as shuttle Endeavour inched toward its launch pad.
The Air Force fighters straddled the Vehicle Assembly Building during their first pass about 500 feet above the ground, air-to-air missiles hanging below their wings. They made two laps around the launch pad before igniting afterburners and climbing into the low morning clouds just over the Atlantic Ocean.
"We are doing everything possible to protect America's space assets," Air Force spokesman Maj. Mike Rein said. "I think we've already plainly shown that we have tightened security."
He would not discuss details such as what unit the planes are from or where they are based.
The aircraft carried the tail markings of a Florida Air National Guard unit. Such units have been taking part in Operation Noble Eagle flying patrol missions over the United States.
"To my knowledge, I have never heard of any fighter aircraft being in this airspace during a rollout," Rein said.
An OV-10 light observation aircraft flew lazy circles around Endeavour during most of the shuttle's six-hour move. A NASA helicopter, seen regularly around the base, also scouted the route.
The transfer is the last stop for Endeavour before its scheduled Nov. 29 launch on a mission to space station Alpha.
The extra security did not distract workers from prepping the orbiter for its mission, said Tassos Abadiotakis, Endeavour vehicle manager.
"The guys are real focused," he said. "It's the same as any other rollout."
Endeavour will carry reminders of the terror attacks in the form of 6,000 small American flags destined for victims' families. The flag that flew over the World Trade Center will also be aboard the shuttle as it climbs into space.
Published under license from FLORIDA TODAY. Copyright © 2001 FLORIDA TODAY. No portion of this material may be reproduced in any way without the written consent of
advertisement
