MAG-16 Max Readiness Flight

 

U.S. Marine Corps aircraft with Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), prepare to take off at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 14, 2021. In a dynamic display of combat power that featured over 40 aircraft in MAG-16’s mass flight, the aircraft showcased the tactical capabilities that 3rd MAW uses to remain lethal and deployable on a moment’s notice. 

It just occurred to me that these snap readiness exercises could be used to safely evacuate aircraft if their bases are targeted by enemy ballistic missiles. Could that be the real reason for these drills? I can't think of a different scenario where you would need to scramble this many aircraft at once.

Maybe a Ft Apache moment for a ground force but even that I would think would call for a different mix of aircraft.  Strikers not rotary/tilt wings.