On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes was engaged in combat in the Persian Gulf. On the radar screen a blip appeared that signified an incoming aircraft. After repeatedly asking the aircraft to identify itself with no success, it appeared that the aircraft might be a hostile IranianF-14 attacking the Vincennes. Captain Will Rogers had little time to make his decision. Should he issue the command to launch a missile and destroy the plane? Or should he wait for positive identification? If he waited too long and the plane was indeed hostile, then it might be impossible to avert the attack and danger to his crew.

Captain Rogers issued the command, and the aircraft was destroyed. It was reported to be an Iranian Airbus airliner carrying 290people. There were no survivors.

What are Captain Rogers ’ s fundamental objectives? What risks doe she face? Draw a decision tree representing his decision.