“Tell them to send everything that can fly.”
- January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994
- American
- The 37th President of the United States, Lawyer, Politician
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Quote
“Tell them to send everything that can fly.”
Explanation
This quote, attributed to Richard Nixon during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, reflects his decisive and urgent response to an international crisis in which Israel faced a coordinated surprise attack from Egypt and Syria. The statement—“Tell them to send everything that can fly”—was reportedly directed to top military and defense officials, authorizing a massive airlift of military aid to Israel. The phrase evokes a sense of immediacy, overwhelming force, and unconditional support, underscoring Nixon’s commitment to a key U.S. ally in a moment of peril.
The historical context is pivotal. The Yom Kippur War posed a serious threat to Israel’s survival, and Nixon’s administration responded with Operation Nickel Grass, a strategic airlift that delivered vital military supplies. This show of support was instrumental in turning the tide of the conflict and reaffirmed U.S. influence in the Middle East, particularly during the Cold War when the Soviet Union was backing the Arab states. Nixon’s bold order demonstrated America’s willingness to intervene rapidly and decisively, not just to protect an ally, but to uphold its geopolitical credibility.
In today’s world, this quote remains a powerful illustration of leadership under pressure, alliance loyalty, and the use of swift military logistics as a tool of diplomacy. It serves as a reminder that in moments of crisis, the tone and clarity of executive decisions can shape not only battlefield outcomes but global perceptions of strength and reliability. Nixon’s words continue to resonate as a model of how forceful action—when aligned with strategic interests—can alter the course of history.
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