Title: The White Jet E-4B filmed near the White House at Washington Source:
[None] URL Source:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFNY8r_lrIs Published:Sep 8, 2007 Author:n Post Date:2007-09-08 10:22:22 by gengis gandhi Keywords:None Views:215 Comments:1
The E-4 fleet was originally deployed in 1974, when it was termed NEACP (National Emergency Airborne Command Post). Originally stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, alongside Air Force One, so that the President and Secretary of Defense could access it quickly in the event of an emergency. Later, the aircraft were moved to Offutt Air Force Base where they would be safer from attack. Until 1994 one E-4B was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base at all times so the president could easily board it in times of world crisis. The "cocked" or "on alert" E-4B was manned 24 hours a day with a watch crew on board guarding all communications systems awaiting a launch order (klaxon launch). Those crew members not on watch would be located in the alert barracks, gymnasium, or at other base facilities. Given the nature of the mission, tests were often carried out where the crew would respond to the aircraft triggered by the sound of a loud klaxon. These tests often happened during nighttime hours, when directed by a higher authority, or when certain communications links failed. From time to time, special mission practice events occurred. There were two prominent special missions code-named "OPAL" and "JEEP". OPAL was a simulated arrival of the President brought to the E-4B location by Marine One, a helicopter operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 (HMX-1). Occasionally this might include a no-notice launch and exercise with a surrogate President. JEEP exercises would be similar but the intent was to test an evacuation of high ranking government officials, including the Defense Secretary or Presidential successors. The 24 hour alert status at Andrews AFB ended when President Clinton ordered the aircraft to remain at Offutt unless needed, though relief crews remain based at Andrews, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. One E-4B is kept on full alert at all times
Sounds like they use an E-4B as Air Force One (instead of the normal 747) when an attack is regarded as a real possibility.