Ambitious plans to replace the EC-135 fleet with E-4s were scaled back drastically. Today all four E-4Bs are operated as NAOCs.

A KC-135B in contact with the boom of a KC-135A illustrating the external differences between the two. Most obvious are the engines and the ability of the KC-135B (later redesignated EC-135C) to receive fuel.

Most of the KC-135A command posts became EC-135As in the mid-1960s. Reclamation of parts on EC-135A 61-0297 had already started by October 1994.

Экскаватор, оборудованный специальным устройством, разрушает воздушный командный пункт ОСК ВС США EC-135C (63-8053) из состава 7-й эскадрильи ВКП 55-го авиакрыла 8-й ВА, потерпевший аварию при посадке на авиабазе Поуп, 27 октября 1998г.
EC-135C 63-8053 was written off after a heavy landing and scrapped at Pope AFB.

EC-135N, EC-135N A-LOTS.

One of the former EC-135Ns regained the same designation after being converted to serve as a command post for Central Command.

KC-135B 62-3581 was the first new-build command post to fly, the antennas along the fuselage top and on the wingtips provide a clue to its role.

Воздушный командный пункт САК EC-135C (62-3581) приземлился на авиабазе сухопутных войск США Биггс в Техасе в рамках выполнения задачи по рассредоточению сил САК в ходе учений Busy Prarie II. 1981г.
In addition to undertaking the LOOKING GLASS role, EC-135Cs frequently participated in exercises, such as the one being held at Biggs, New Mexico, in June 1981.

Four US Presidents with no need for an airborne command post: EC-135G 62-3579 of the 4th ACCS flying over the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.

A 4th ACCS EC-135G takes on fuel from a 28th BW KC-135R.

Воздушный пункт управления позиционным районом МБР EC-135G (62-3589) из состава 4-й эскадрильи ВКП 28-го ТБАКр 4-й АД 15-й ВА выполняет полет в районе авиабазы Элсворт, 1 июня 1988г.
The EC-135Gs did not have the saddle antenna of other command posts and they retained the original J57 turbojets throughout their flying careers.

Под обозначением EC-135 скрываются несколько модификаций воздушных командных пунктов и радиоретрансляторов. На снимке - ВКП главкома объединенного командования в Европейской зоне EC-135H (61-0285), оснащенный выпускной антенной. Такие самолеты из состава 10-й авиаэскадрильи ВКП 513-го тактического транспортного авиакрыла 3-й ВА базировались на британской базе Милденхолл, они предназначались для управления войсками на европейском ТВД.
EC-135H 61-0285 in June 1983, prior to the addition of the tail-mounted pod containing the night-time refuelling light.

An EC-135H moves toward a tanker with its in-flight refuelling receptacle open.

An EC-135H re-engined with TF33s and with the fin-top mounted downwards-pointing light to facilitate air-to-air refuelling contact at night.

The EC-135Hs were based at Mildenhall as the European component of the Worldwide Airborne Command Post and Control Network.

Воздушный командный пункт главкома объединенного командования ВС США в зоне Тихого океана EC-135J (62-3584) из состава 9-й эскадрильи производит дозаправку в воздухе аналогичного самолета с сер. 63-8056. 1987г.
EC-135J из 1-й ACCS в случае воины должны были стать ВКП главнокомандующего ВВС и президента США. После замены на E-4 самолеты EC-135J использовались в качестве ВКП для Атлантического и Тихоокеанского командований ВВС США.
Two EC-135J blue eagles practise in­flight refuelling in early 1987.

One of the few EC-135Cs to have the MILSTAR antenna mounted on the upper forward fuselage - 63-8054 at Mildenhall, May 1997.

EC-135L 62-3583 of the 2nd ACCS sits alongside another command post, March 1993.

The EC-135Ls - including 61-0261 at Davis-Monthan - were initially used as radio relay platforms

The EC-135Gs were equipped with ALCC and participated in GLORY TRIP missions. An example at Vandenberg - where the missiles were launched from - in August 1987.

EC-135K 59-1518 carrying a large TAC badge on its nose - the command primarily used the aircraft to shepherd fighter deployments.

For a long time the sole EC-135K was the very first KC-135A built, 55-3118.

Like most Stratotanker command posts the EC-135H retained their flying booms. The bulge under the fuselage is the hose of the trailing wire antenna.

Offutt AFB, Nebraska, became the final operating base for the EC-135s. EC-135C 62-3582 later became the sole WC-135C.

EC-135C 63-8057 at Christchurch, New Zealand, December 1977.

Several command posts have been preserved, including EC-135J 63-8057 at Pima County Air Museum. It is fitted with the tail of EC-135P 55-3129.

While the majority of the ACPs were retired by the end of 1992, the USAF maintained a small fleet of EC-135Cs to support US Strategic Command.

EC-135Ps were used as command posts in the Pacific region under the blue eagle mission: 58-0007 on approach to Yokota AB in January 1970.

Оперативная группа штаба ОСК на борту воздушного командного пункта EC-135C во время командно-штабных учений ОСК "Global Guardian-98"
EC-135 command posts were equipped with a battle staff suite for their primary role.

Top to bottom: EC-135C, EC-135G, EC-135H, EC-135K