EP-3E Collision [2001]

As tensions soar between the US and China with the latest in a seemingly endless series of incidents, it's instructive to recall that on April 1, 2001, shortly after George Bush became President, the Chinese tested him by having a fighter buzz an unarmed EP-3E operating in international waters. The result was a collision that very nearly killed the 24 crew members. Eventually the crew and plane were released without harm to personnel. What happened?

The report is a comprehensive assessment of the EP-3E incident, which involved a collision between a US Navy surveillance plane and a Chinese fighter jet. It evaluates the damage to US intelligence activities and provides recommendations for improvement. The report highlights potential damage to US SIGINT capabilities against China's tactical sources and methods, as well as the need to address complacency regarding safeguarding sensitive information. It discusses the compromise of classified and sensitive Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Security (COMSEC) equipment and information, as well as deficiencies in policy and emergency procedures. The report also addresses the compromise of cryptographic equipment and materials and the potential impact on foreign relations. It provides recommendations for improving the security and operations of the U.S. Navy Cryptologic system, including limiting classified materials onboard and refining procedures for key supersession. Overall, the report emphasizes the need for coordination, communication, and emergency procedures in handling such incidents. A map and full color photographs of equipment make it easy to visualize events.

This annotated edition illustrates the capabilities of the AI Lab for Book-Lovers to add context and ease-of-use to manuscripts. It includes five types of abstracts, building from simplest to more complex: TLDR (one word), ELI5, TLDR (vanilla), Scientific Style, and Action Items; four essays to increase viewpoint diversity: Context in the Discourse, Formal Dissent; Red Team Critique; and MAGA Perspective; and Notable Passages and Nutshell Summaries for each page.