First Pass, Defenders over Washington

Captain Dean Eckmann of the 119th FW, North Dakota Air National Guard, makes his first pass over the Pentagon near Washington DC, on September 11th, 2001, following the terror attack. Scrambled from Langley AFB, VA, Capt. Eckmann led a flight of three fully armed F-16 aircraft to provide the first combat air patrol (CAP) over Washington, DC on that fateful day. In this dramatic portrayal, Capt. Eckman is seen making his initial low-level, high-speed pass over the Pentagon. It has been said that many Pentagon employees cheered upon seeing the F-16, as he streaked low over the South parking lot of the building. One of our own was now protecting the skies over Washington, DC.

In the words of one eyewitness, “Flight 77 hit my section, 3D450, and then, as we were in the E Ring trying to rescue people, the chopper pad fuel tank cooked off, which sent shock waves through the building and forced us out. In South Parking, most cell phones were down, but a few were up as tens of thousands left the building (it can hold about 23,000) and someone said, “another plane is coming.” It must have been Flight 93. It was unsettling, and we braced for the unknown.

Shortly thereafter, we heard a very shrill jet engine whine come from the National Airport area – definitely not a passenger aircraft – and there shot the F-16, in my estimation less than 2,000 feet off the deck. He tilted toward the Pentagon City Mall a little, and we could see his helmet. Hundreds of fists shot up and shouts of joy rang out. It sounded like applause at a rock concert. He actually rocked his wings to let us know he had seen us. We knew he had taken care of us, and it was inspirational to say the least!”

“First Pass, Defenders over Washington” is available as a limited edition print, Countersigned by Dean Eckmann and his wingman Brad Derrig. The image is also available as an Artist Masterwork on canvas.

THIS PRINT IS IN VERY LOW INVENTORY!