In December 1979, Boeing delivered the first E-4B Advanced Airborne Command Post to the U.S. Air Force. The E-4B evolved from the earlier E-4A, of which three were built. By 1985, all A models had been upgraded to B models. Based on the 747-200B, the E-4B provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center in case of national emergency, with “nuclear hardening” to withstand the effects of an electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear blast. All E-4Bs are assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., with at least one on alert at all times.
The command center that has run America’s air campaigns in the Middle East for over two decades took a direct hit during the U.S. war with Iran and was severely damaged, a senior U.S. official and other people informed about the attack told Air & Space Forces Magazine.