E-4B
1980s -- The first E-4B model was delivered to the Air Force in January 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Standing by
An Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft sits at the international airport in Bogota,Colombia Oct. 3,
for Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates. U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison)
E-4B milestone
An aircrew from the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron board an E-4B at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., during a simulated alert mission. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The aircraft passed a significant milestone this month by sitting alert constantly for more than 35 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)
On a jet plane
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta waves as he boards an Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft Oct. 21, 2011, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Panetta departed the base to visit defense leaders and U.S. troops stationed in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey)
E-4B milestone
Staff Sgt. Krystal Lerohl, a flight attendant with the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., wipes off a table in the private quarters of an E-4B prior to a simulated alert mission. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The aircraft passed a significant milestone this month by sitting alert constantly for more than 35 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)
E-4B milestone
Lt. Col. James D'Amour arrives at the flight deck as Lt. Col. Tim Carter makes his way up the stairs of an E-4B at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The aircraft passed a significant milestone this month by sitting alert constantly for more than 35 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)
E-4B milestone
Master Sgt. Dan Bloomquist, a flight engineer with the 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., preps an E-4B for flight during a simulated alert mission. The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center for the president, secretary of defense and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The aircraft passed a significant milestone this month by sitting alert constantly for more than 35 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)