E-4B Mission The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and 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. The conduct of E-4B operations encompasses all phases of the threat spectrum. Additionally, the E-4B provides outside the continental United States travel support for the Secretary of Defense and his staff to ensure Title 10 command and control connectivity. Features The E-4B, a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, is a four-engine, swept-wing, long-range high-altitude airplane capable of refueling in flight. The main deck is divided into six functional areas: a command work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team work area, communications area and rest area. An E-4B may include seating for up to 112 people, including a joint-service operations team, Air Force flight crew, maintenance and security component, communications team and selected augmentees. The E-4B is protected against the effects of electromagnetic pulse and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment. An advanced satellite communications system provides worldwide communication for senior leaders through the airborne operations center. Other improvements include nuclear and thermal effects shielding, acoustic control, an improved technical control facility and an upgraded air-conditioning system for cooling electrical components. To provide direct support to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the JCS, at least one E-4B NAOC is always on 24-hour alert, 7-days a week, with a global watch team at one of many selected bases throughout the world. A U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, July 10, 2019. The E-4B provides travel support for the Secretary of Defense and their staff to ensure command and control connectivity outside of the continental United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An E4-B aircraft sits on the ramp of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines as Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin return after touring the USS Stennis aircraft carrier as it sails the South China Sea April 15, 2016. Carter is visiting the Philippines to solidify the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.(Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz)(Released) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res A U.S. Air Force E-4B aircraft carrying Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta arrives at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24. This was Panetta's first trip to Japan as the Secretary of Defense.(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res In addition to its national and NC2 mission, the E-4B provides support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides communications and command center capability to relief efforts following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Air Force Global Strike Command is the Air Force single-resource manager for the E-4B, and provides aircrew, maintenance, security and communications support. E-4B operations are directed by the JCS and executed through U.S. Strategic Command. USSTRATCOM also provides personnel for the joint airborne operations center battle staff. Background 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 E-4B aircraft are assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 595th CACG aligned under Eighth Air Force October 1, 2016. General characteristics Primary function: Airborne operations center Builder: Boeing Aerospace Co. Power plant: Four General Electric CF6-50E2 turbofan engines Thrust: 52,500 pounds each engine Length: 231 feet, 4 inches (70.5 meters) Wingspan: 195 feet, 8 inches (59.7 meters) Height: 63 feet, 5 inches (19.3 meters) Maximum takeoff weight: 800,000 pounds (360,000 kilograms) Endurance: 12 hours (unrefueled) Ceiling: above 30,000 feet (9,091 meters) Unit cost: $223.2 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars) Crew: up to 112 Date deployed: January 1980 Inventory: active force, 4; Air National Guard, 0; Reserve, 0 (Current as of November 2016) Point of Contact Air Force Global Strike Command, Public Affairs Office; 245 Davis Avenue East, Suite 198; Barksdale AFB, LA 71110; DSN 781-1305 or 318-456-7844; e-mail: afgsc.paworkflow@us.af.mil