B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 237
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure
On initial check in with SCT Approach; we were told to slow to 190 KTS about 30 miles from the field. We were following another carrier for the ILS 26L. SCT changed our runway to 26R; slowed us to 170; and cleared us for the approach. Tower asked if we had the carrier in sight about 2;000 FT AGL. We informed Tower we were IMC. Tower instructed us to go around (about 1;500 FT AGL) with a climbing left turn heading 180 and direct PDZ when able. We were handed off to SCT and they asked about the assigned 180 heading. We told them our clearance; but they seemed irritated at us. Two separate Controllers asked about the clearance and commented; with over 30 years and 22 years working SCT; that they have never seen anything like that. We were told the 180 heading put us head to head with Chico's localizer. We never received any TA's or noticed any traffic on TCAS close to us. We were cleared for an uneventful ILS to Runway 26R. After landing; a Supervisor apologized to us over the Tower frequency for the go-around. I called Tower once we arrived at the gate to advise them of SCT's concerns. The Tower Supervisor again apologized to us and explained the training that is going on there. I recommended on a go-around event; they should level us off and allow us to fly the published miss. This would have kept us clear of the other airport.
[Narative #2 had no additional information.]
Air Carrier on final for ONT was issued go around instructions by the Tower only to be questioned by SCT Controllers regarding the assigned heading.