The Boeing E-4B ‘Nightwatch’, often referred to as the ‘doomsday plane’, has a crucial role and recently made a rare appearance amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This particular Air Force aircraft is not like the typical jets we are accustomed to. True to its nickname, the E-4B is designed for extraordinary circumstances.
The remarkable plane took to the skies on Tuesday, June 17, departing from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana at 5:56 pm ET and landing at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 10:01 pm.
This four-hour flight was shrouded in mystery, coinciding with the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, sparking speculation that the U.S. might be preparing for a larger confrontation.
This aircraft is extraordinary in that it can remain airborne for extended periods without landing, thanks to its mid-air refueling capabilities. It’s also equipped to transport the U.S. president in emergencies.
Notably, it is built to endure severe enemy attacks, including those involving ballistic missiles.
Pilots use specialized masks to avoid being blinded by nuclear blasts, and its windows are designed to withstand electromagnetic shockwaves.
The primary function of the E-4B is to serve as a military command center in the sky, safeguarding the President of the United States and senior officials during crises, similar to its role on September 11, 2001.
The fleet of four aircraft is on ‘continuous alert’, ready to respond to emergencies 24/7, year-round.
Although many details about the Nightwatch remain classified, it’s believed that one jet has been on standby since 1975 during the Cold War era.
The U.S. Air Force elaborates: “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.”
While the Nightwatch frequently conducts routine flights throughout the year, its appearance this week has raised eyebrows due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Adding to the intrigue, the flight used a new identifier, ‘ORDER01’, instead of the usual ‘ORDER6’.
U.S. officials have not disclosed the reasons for the plane’s deployment.
This speculation arises as President Donald Trump left the G7 summit in Canada prematurely on Monday, June 16, citing ‘big stuff’ and urging residents of Tehran, Iran, to evacuate.
According to his press secretary, the escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict prompted Trump’s abrupt departure.
The following day, Trump met with his top national security advisers and reportedly gave the green light for potential U.S. strikes on Iran. However, while plans have been ‘approved’, Trump is reportedly holding off to see if Iran will negotiate over its nuclear program.
As this strategy surfaced, Trump stated: “I like to make the final decision one second before it’s due.”
Prior to the meeting, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express that Iran “should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign”.
“What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again!” he continued.