Combat air patrol

Combat air patrols apply to both overland and overwater operations, protecting other aircraft, fixed and mobile sites on land, or ships at sea.

Known by the acronym CAP, it typically entails fighters flying a tactical pattern around or screening a defended target, while looking for incoming attackers.

Effective CAP patterns may include aircraft positioned at both high and low altitudes, in order to shorten response times when an attack is detected.

Modern CAPs are either GCI or AWACS-controlled to provide maximum early warning for defensive reaction.

Numerous types of combat air patrols have been employed by US military forces since World War II:

Two F-15 Eagles from the Massachusetts Air National Guard 's 102nd Fighter Wing fly a combat air patrol mission over New York City in support of Operation Noble Eagle