On June 15, 1974, In an effort to boost ties with Syria, US President Richard Nixon toured the nation. He flew there on Air Force One, a Boeing VC-137C at the time, to meet with President Hafez Al-Asad. So, on its journey to Damascus on June 15, Air Force One came close to the Syrian border. Four camouflaged MiG-21s came apparently out of nowhere as Air Force One entered Syrian territory and began to rise up off its wing. Colonel Ralph D. Albertazzie, the captain of Air Force One, took swift action to defend the legendary aircraft and the renowned passengers. For the following seven minutes, he flew a series of evasive maneuvers. Later, White House representatives in Damascus informed the reporters that they were aware of the Syrian military's intention to send honor escorts for Air Force One, but had forgotten to inform the captain of the aircraft. Damascus air traffic control finally informed Albertazzie that the MiGs were simply being nice. The entire affair was a great misunderstanding, and the aircraft eventually touched down safely in Damascus, where Nixon received a warm greeting from the entire Syrian government.

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