in a post-9/11 world, the planes are ready for combat. armed with air to air missiles. >> since 9/11, we know the threat is very different than what it was before. >> the failure of imagination is probably the thing we're most worried about as evidenced on 9/11. >> we flew along on a training mission defending washington from a sneak air attack and then intercepting threatening aircraft. we flew well above out past the maryland shore. at that speed, they can protect from new jersey to north carolina in a matter of minutes. our pilot captain matt morris explained things once we were on the ground. >> today we're actually practicing a defensive counterair mission. >> if there's a threat to washington, d.c., you guys are the first eyes and ears? >> often times we are definitely the first there. >> today he and three of his wing men were tasked to break through the defense against the blue team, four other guard pilots hunting them.