 Before the Libyan aircraft could get close enough, a U.S. E-2C Hawkeye detected them and alerted two F-14s from VF-33, which intercepted the MiGs at .The Libyans began aggressive head-on maneuvering in an effort to get into firing position on the two F-14s ⁠— ⁠a clear sign of hostile intent.The F-14 wing leader reported "excessive hostile actions and intentions", which led the air warfare commander aboard USS Saratoga to give the pilots the signal "warning yellow, weapons hold"; this meant the F-14s could open fire if necessary.