Offutt AFB, home to the US Strategic Command, also hosts US Navy E-6B Mercury TACAMO aircraft on alert. TACAMO, meaning take charge and move out, is a relay mission between the National Command Authority and US Navy ballistic missile submarines. The E-6B, seen on the right of this picture, can also provide command and control of America's land-based missiles and nuclear-armed bombers.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-4 - СШАUSA - 1974Boeing E-6 Hermes, Mercury - СШАUSA - 1987

Festooned with 60 antennas and a satellite communications hump on the top of the fuselage, the E-4B is no ordinary Boeing 747-200 but a command centre for the US Department of Defense in times of national emergency or war.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-4 - СШАUSA - 1974

Each of the E-4B's four General Electric F103-GE-100 turbofan engines provides 52,500lb of thrust.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-4 - СШАUSA - 1974

E-4B 75-0125 seen parked on the ramp at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, home of the 55th Wing and the National Airborne Operations Center.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-4 - СШАUSA - 1974

E-4B 73-1677 (c/n 20683) made its maiden flight on September 11, 1973 and was delivered to the US Air Force on October 3 that year. Today, over 38 years later, 73-1677 still looks resplendent in its blue and white livery thanks to the maintenance personnel assigned to the 55th Wing based at Offutt AFB.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing E-4 - СШАUSA - 1974