[_Jim]

Yep, I was wondering where our F-15, or F-18 were to escort this craft

15/16/18's would be overkill for a Mooney wouldn't you reckon?

Besides - wouldn't a stray Mooney be a nice 'draw' to take those more capable flying platforms away from more important guard duty?

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

Nope, any aircraft that has deviated from its flight plan should be considered a threat. Otherwise it is a shoulda, coulda, woulda situation that the US military may have to explain to the public. Talk about a Public Affairs nightmare.