E4 B NEACP/NAOC Duty

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Felicia Middleton Kilborn Team 3 1998-2002
The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).  Formally named the National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP) its home base is the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, NE. 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. The conduct of E-4B operations encompasses all phases of the threat spectrum.  Additionally, the E-4B provides outside the continental United States (OCONUS) travel support for the Secretary of Defense and his staff to ensure Title 10 command and control connectivity.

Security Forces Role
During the Cold War era, the E-4B stood alert at Offutt AFB and Andrews AFB. The security team consisted of a Team Leader and 4 team members that provided 24/7 entry control security. There were several teams and would rotate in an out of alert status with the aircrew every 7 days.  The NEACP  would accompany the President on any travels outside the US and would be in close proximity to his location while in the US outside of Washington DC. 

Today the aircraft is used in much the same way and is a part of OCONUS trips by the Secretary of Defense and the President. 

Personal Memories

Worked it out of Offutt in 80-81. Was on alert at Andrews when the Iranian Hostages arrived. Saw them low pass over runway and deplane. Flew around the world on inspection tours. Loved the TDY alerts to Andrews every 2-3 weeks. Klaxon responses were crazy. The multi-service crews were absolutely fantastic. One of the best experiences in my life.

Also, went with President Carter to Alaska on one of his fishing trips. We landed at Eielson and had difficulty communicating with the Secret Service so we went airborne and circled while he fished. I believe it was about 36 hours. In air refueling is a great thing.

​Sheldon Carlson NEACP 1980-81


One weird E-4A trip to Teheran, Iran. Another trip preceeding President Carter by a day or two. We all thought we would be king of the mountain landing in a big beautiful 747. Joke was on us though as there were probably 15 brand spanking new ones sitting on the tarmac. Good thing for us. The auxiliary power unit on our place broke, was afu, and thee Iranians went over to their oldest one which was maybe 6 months old and helped replace ours. Day or so later, they invited us to tour the Shah of Iran's PERSONAL plane. Seat belt buckle was solid gold with ruby and diamond studded seal emblazoned in it. Carpet was so thick that when you walked on it you almost lost tour foot. Solid marble bath tub and shower on board. The plane had just been brought to Iran from Seattle by the Shah's 16 year old son. So much for being king of the mountain!

Brad Allard NEACP