The Swift Military Response on 9/11: An Insider’s Account

On September 11, 2001, first responders and emergency workers raced to Ground Zero immediately after the attack, while America’s military quickly mobilized as well. That day, Gen. Dan Caine served as the chief of Weapons and Tactics for the 121st Fighter Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. In an interview, he shared his experiences with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell.

Caine recalled attending a routine scheduling meeting at the base when a staffer interrupted to report the crash of a plane into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Shortly after, the group witnessed live footage of the second plane hitting the South Tower.

Caine stated, “I still remember to this day, Norah, what I felt and what I thought as we all watched that news helicopter camera filming the burning tower. What I felt and thought when the second airplane entered that shot and hit the second tower. I knew right away that our nation was under attack, and we began to move right into action immediately.”

Immediately, the military grasped the situation as a clear act of war. Caine’s squadron began preparing their defenses. Direct orders came swiftly from the White House, commanding the squadron to launch and defend Washington, D.C. by intercepting any further threats posed by disobedient aircraft, including United Flight 93.

Caine highlighted Brig. Gen. Dave Wherley’s trust in the squadron, sharing, “He said something that I’ll never, ever forget. He said, ‘Look, Dan, I don’t know what you’re going to have to do out there, but I know you’re going to do the right thing. I trust you.'”

Some planes took to the skies unarmed due to the urgency, intending drastic measures if necessary. Lt. Col. Mark Sasseville and Heather Penney planned potential impacts against hostile planes to prevent further tragedy.

Penney explained, “In the military, we don’t send our service members on suicide missions, but it was clear what needed to be done that morning.”

Caine’s jet, equipped with live missiles, awaited further orders, understanding he might need to act against commercial airliners displaying threats to national safety. Fortunately, no further action was needed as passengers of United Flight 93 courageously thwarted their hijackers, aborting the planned strike aimed at Washington D.C. by crashing in Pennsylvania.

Caine praised the valor of these individuals: “We take an oath in the military to protect and defend the United States of America. They got on an airliner, and yet they were the first ones that fought back in those dark, dark moments on September 11.”

He shared guided reflections: “I don’t think I understood what it means to serve this country until September 11. You know, I was probably a young fighter pilot who thought it was cool to fly jets, but then it got very real on September 11 and the days that followed, and the examples that the American people got on that day of courage, tenacity, grit, patriotism, remain a gift in many ways for me 25 years later.”

Caine’s recount of the day emphasizes the bravery and determination displayed not only by military forces but also by American civilians, which remains an indelible memory.