Afterburner.nl - Eindhoven welcomes E-4B

Eindhoven welcomes E-4B

On Thursday 3 June 2004 an E-4B landed on the asphalt of Eindhoven Air Base. To many people its task is unclear. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president and secretary of defense. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command control centers, the aircraft provides a highly survivable, command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities. To provide direct support to the president of the USA and his secretary of defense, at least one E-4B is always on alert at one of many selected bases throughout the world. This time, Eindhoven Air Base was chosen.

The E-4B evolved from the E-4A, which had been in service since late 1974. The first B model was delivered to the Air Force in January 1980, and by 1985 all aircraft were converted to B models. All four E-4B are assigned to the 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.