241218-N-YW562-1001 Rendering of the U.S. Navy’s future E-130J aircraft, which will relieve the E-6B Mercury of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. (Rendering courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp.)

PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES 12.18.2024 Photo by Kathy Hieatt Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office Rendering of the U.S. Navy’s future E-130J aircraft, which will relieve the E-6B Mercury of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. (Rendering courtesy of Northrop Grumman Corp.)

MARIETTA, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES 09.12.2024 Photo by Kathy Hieatt Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office A sneak peak at the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft being built by Lockheed Martin Corp. for the U.S. Navy’s E-130J program. This aircraft ? the first of three ? is slated to be delivered to the government in 2026 for modification into an E-130J Engineering Development Model. The E-130J, formerly called E-XX, will be the successor to the E-6B Mercury for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission, which connects the president, secretary of defense and U.S. Strategic Command with the United States’ nuclear triad. The U.S. Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271) is leading the TACAMO Recapitalization Program and is scheduled to award the Engineering and Manufacturing Development contract during the first quarter of 2025. (Photo by David L. Key, Lockheed Martin)

221123-N-N0736-001 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 23, 2022) The U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), a Royal Navy Vanguard-class nuclear submarine, an E6-B Mercury assigned to the “Shadows” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4 and an MH60R Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 conduct bi-lateral at-sea training in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 23, 2022. The training is designed to validate tactics, techniques and procedures which strengthens the relationship between uniquely close Allies in support of deterrence and collective security. The United States and the United Kingdom have a long-standing agreement of cooperation in the development and deployment of strategic weapons and supporting system. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 1st Class Aaron Abbott)

190823-F-VV898-1085 United States Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury of Strategic Communications Wing ONE, Task Group 114.2, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, high over Colorado Aug. 23, 2019. The E-6B was refueled by a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, also from Tinker AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

190715-F-OQ776-1044 A U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, assigned to Strategic Communications Wing 1 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, taxis on the flightline after landing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, July 15, 2019. The E-6B is equipped with an airborne launch control system which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo)

160803-N-UZ648-002 An E-6B Mercury aircraft post-Block II modifications. (NAVAIR)

150828-F-XV591-003 A U.S. Navy E-6 Mercury strategic airborne command post aircraft takes flight on Aug. 28, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The E-6 aircraft communicates with ballistic missile submarines while also expanding the mission to include ground missiles and nuclear-armed strategic bombers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Josh Plueger/Released)

240917-F-XK483-1091 A U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury arrives at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska during a simulated electronic minuteman test flight, Sept. 17, 2024. Airmen and Sailors from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, 576th Test Flight Squadron, 91st Missile Wing and Navy’s Strategic Communications Wing participated in the twice-a-year flight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

190715-F-OQ776-1008 A U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, assigned to Strategic Communications Wing 1 at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, lands at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, July 15, 2019. The E-6B is a communications relay and strategic airborne command post aircraft which provides airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command Authority and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo)

190823-F-VV898-1052 United States Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury of Strategic Communications Wing ONE, Task Group 114.2, is framed by the window of a KC-135R Stratotanker while refueling in a turn high over Colorado Aug. 23, 2019. The E-6B was refueled by a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker of the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Air Force Reserve Command. The E-6B and KC-135R are based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and routinely train together as part of the Integrated Total Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

240515-F-PG806-1029 A U.S. Air Force E-4B assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., flies on a training sortie over the Midwest, May, 15, 2024. The E-4B is a militarized version of the Boeing 747-200, consisting of four engines, a swept-wing design, and capable of long-range, high-altitude operations and in-flight air refueling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

Aerial refueling Test pilots and personnel from the 418th Flight Test Squadron, out of Edwards Air Force Base, California, conducted aerial refueling testing with a KC-46 Pegasus and an E-4B Nightwatch, out of Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, in the skies over Southern California, April 4. (Air Force photo by Christian Turner)

E-4B National Airborne Operations Center The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pictured: A U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center turns to align itself for takeoff Aug. 27, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Nicknamed “Nightwatch,” the Boeing 747 serves as a survivable mobile command post for the president of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Josh Plueger/Released)

E-4B National Airborne Operations Center The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pictured: AF File Image

Mission extended A 595th Command and Control Group E-4B receives fuel from a 126th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135R Stratotanker over the midwestern United States, May 15, 2024. The E-4B, known as the “Nightwatch,” is protected against the effects of electromagnetic pulse and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Codie Trimble)

E-4B National Airborne Operations Center The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pictured: A U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, July 10, 2019. The E-4B is protected against the effects of an electromagnetic pulse and has an electrical system designed to support advanced electronics and a wide variety of communications equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo)

E-4B National Airborne Operations Center The E-4B serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Pictured: A U.S. Air Force E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, July 10, 2019. The E-4B is capable of seating more than 100 people including a joint-service team, an Air Force flight crew, maintenance and security components, a communications team and selected augmentees. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Skovo)

E-4B An Air Force E-4B aircraft approaches Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2018, during Defense Secretary James N. Mattis’s seventh trip to the Indo-Pacific region. Mattis is here to visit senior Japanese government leaders to reaffirm the importance of the U.S. -Japan Alliance and to discuss cooperation on a variety of regional security issues. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

240515-F-PG806-1037 A U.S. Air Force E-4B assigned to the 595th Command and Control Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 126th Air Refueling Squadron, Wisconsin Air National Guard, May, 15, 2024. The E-4B is divided into six functional areas: a national command authority work area, conference room, briefing room, an operations team (battle staff) work area, communications area and a rest area, including seating for up to 111 crew members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Codie Trimble)

E-4B from Global Strike Command An E-4B from Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., is refueled by a KC-10 Extender from Travis AFB, Calif., during a local mission June 12, 2017. In case of national emergency or destruction of ground command and control centers, the E-4B provides a highly survivable command, control and communications center to direct U.S. forces, execute emergency war orders and coordinate actions by civil authorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicole Leidholm)

220122-N-LP924-1232 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 22, 2022) An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assigned to the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, flies over the Philippine Sea Jan. 22, 2022. Operating as part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, units assigned to the Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups, the Essex and America Amphibious Ready Groups and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, are conducting training to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sophia Simons)

220411-N-DF558-2028 SEA OF JAPAN (April 12, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, flies over the Sea of Japan during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Aleksandr Freutel)

240417-N-BR246-4137 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 17, 2024) An E-2D Hawkeye from the “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 17, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Aaron Haro Gonzalez)

Safe Landing ADRIATIC SEA (Nov. 14, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during flight operations in the Adriatic Sea, Nov. 14, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Wagner)

201118-F-NX702-1002 A U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft assigned to Airborne Command & Control Squadron at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California, takes-off during Weapons School Integration (WSINT) at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 18, 2020. Four U.S. Navy squadrons came together during WSINT to support the exercise by simulating scenarios of current and future threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dwane R. Young)

230107-N-EL850-3088 IONIAN SEA (Jan. 7, 2023) An E-2D Hawkeye attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 launches off the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Jan. 7, 2023. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, VAW-121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Avis)

230317-N-EL850-1163 ADRIATIC SEA (March 17, 2023) An E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W Bush (CVN 77) during a change of command ceremony, March 17, 2023. During the ceremony Cmdr. Matthew Campbell relieved Cmdr. Robert Whitmore as commander, VAW-121. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, VAW-121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Avis)

220914-N-LI114-1082 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 14, 2022) An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the “Tiger Tails” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, lands on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Pacific Ocean. E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne, early warning missions to provide valuable information to Carrier Strike Group 5 as it plans and executes operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael B. Jarmiolowski)

210818-O-NO101-150 MASCOUTAH, Ill. (Aug. 18, 2021) An MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicle refuels an E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft over MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Ill., Aug. 18, 2021. This test marks the second successful refueling flight for the MQ-25 program. The six-hour flight, conducted by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, tested the Boeing-owned MQ-25 test asset’s fuel transfer, formation evaluations, wake surveys, drogue tracking and plugs at 220 knots calibrated airspeed at 10,000 feet. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Boeing)

231102-N-EQ851-1121 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 2, 2023) An E-2D Hawkeye assigned to the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 2, 2023. Theodore Roosevelt is currently conducting routine training and certifications in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adina Phebus)

220620-N-QP737-1041 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 20, 2022) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Tyler Morehouse, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), directs an elevator carrying an E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, June 20, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is underway completing a certification exercise to increase U.S. and allied interoperability and warfighting capability before a future deployment. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, VFA-103, VFA-86, VFA-136, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, VAW 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Cabal)

220530-N-DW158-1036 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 30, 2022) Sailors perform safety checks on an E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the “Tigertail’s” of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). E-2D Hawkeyes perform tactical airborne early warning missions to provide information to the strike group as it plans and executes operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gray Gibson)

240417-N-BR246-4122 PHILIPPINE SEA (April 17, 2024) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, from the “Black Knights” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, and an E-2D Hawkeye, from the “Liberty Bells” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115, fly above the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), April 17, 2024. Theodore Roosevelt, flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Aaron Haro Gonzalez)

231119-N-GR586-1326 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 19, 2023) An E-2D Advanced Hawkeye from the “Black Eagles” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during flight operations in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 19, 2023. Carl Vinson, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Ringers)

An artist’s depiction shows an E-7A in flight. The E-7A is the Department of Defense’s future tactical battle management, command and control and moving target indication platform scheduled to replace the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System. (Courtesy photo)

250409-F-DG623-1087 A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail soars over Southern California. Aircrews from the USAF, RAAF, and Royal Air Force worked together to rapidly certify the RAAF E-7A with the United States Air Force KC-46A. The trilateral test also allowed the United Kingdom and United States Air Force to gain early test experience ahead of their anticipated fielding of E-7 aircraft variants. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

220506-F-ZZ222-1012 A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft, is parked at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 6, 2022. The Air Force recently decided to replace a portion of the E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet with the E-7 Wedgetail. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Makenna Gott)

Checkered Flag: Tyndall’s coalition exercise showcases combat airpower A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail takes off during Checkered Flag 24-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 31, 2023. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall, which fosters readiness and interoperability combining Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Air Force assets, Navy and Marine aircraft and allied partners, and targets all four of the National Defense Strategies top-level priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stefan Alvarez)

220511-F-WM701-0002 A Royal Australian Air Force E-7 Wedgetail participating in black flag takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 11, 2021. Black Flag 22-1 investigates electronic warfare techniques and programming to accelerate joint electronic warfare efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Trevor Bell)

200130-F-UT528-0019 A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft assigned to 2 Squadron, RAAF Amberly, Australia, lands safely after a mission during Red Flag 20-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 30. 2020. The Wedgetail is equipped with an advanced radar system which allows simultaneous tracking and scanning of multiple airborne and ground targets. (U.S. Air Force Photo William R. Lewis)

USAF, RAAF kick off Red Flag-Alaska 24-3 A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail lands during Red Flag-Alaska 24-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 16, 2024 . Red Flag is an annual Air Force exercise that provides an opportunity to work alongside joint partners and continue to demonstrate the Air Force’s ability to project forces throughout the Indo-Pacific and across the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hunter Hites)

Operation Inherent Resolve A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail receives fuels from an Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker over Iraq Sept. 16, 2015. The KC-135 was deployed to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The KC-135 fleet at Al Udeid AB flew more than 14,700 sorties in 2015 accumulating 103,419 combat hours in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

250409-F-DG623-1051 A KC-46A assigned to the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base positions to refuel a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail in the airspace near Edwards. Aircrews from the USAF, RAAF, and Royal Air Force worked together to rapidly certify this enhanced combat capability for the RAAF E-7A fleet. The trilateral test also allowed the United Kingdom and United States Air Force to gain early test experience ahead of their anticipated fielding of E-7 aircraft variants. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

250409-F-DG623-1159 A KC-46A assigned to the 418th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base positions to refuel a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail in the airspace near Edwards. Aircrews from the USAF, RAAF, and Royal Air Force worked together to rapidly certify this enhanced combat capability for the RAAF E-7A fleet. The trilateral test also allowed the United Kingdom and United States Air Force to gain early test experience ahead of their anticipated fielding of E-7 aircraft variants. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)

Stratotanker keeps E-3 Sentry fueled An E-3 Sentry flies above Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve Aug. 30, 2017. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system aircraft with an integrated command and control battle management, surveillance, target detection, and tracking platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Battles)

210914-F-GX249-0059 Chitose Bilateral Air Training Relocation 2021 A U.S. Air Force E-3B Sentry arrives at Chitose Air Base, Chitose, Japan, to participate in a bilateral Air Training Relocation event for the first time, Sept. 14, 2021. Throughout the training, U.S. Airmen adhered to stringent safety measures both on the ground and in the air. In addition to standard U.S. Air Force operational safety practices, all participating U.S. Airmen are taking prudent precautions, such as mask wear and social distancing, against the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and wellbeing of not only the ATR participants, but also the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)

Walking the walk A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing taxis during a multinational elephant walk as part of exercise Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 5, 2024. Cope North enhances U.S. relationships and interoperability with our regional allies and partners by providing the opportunity to exchange information and improve shared tactics to better integrate multilateral defense capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)

190710-F-VT057-1027 Kadena Sentry Keeps Watch Over Indo-Pacific An E-3 Sentry from the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron flies during a training exercise July 10, 2019, out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Sentry provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew Seefeldt)

Severe weather brings AWACs to D-M An E-3 Sentry (AWACS) from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., taxis on the flightline at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., May 16, 2015. Eight AWACS arrived here due to tornado alerts in Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chris Massey)

E-3 Sentry FILE PHOTO — The E-3 Sentry is a modified Boeing 707/320 commercial airframe with a rotating radar dome. The dome is 30 feet in diameter, 6 feet thick and is held 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. It contains a radar subsystem that permits surveillance from the Earth’s surface up into the stratosphere, over land or water. The radar has a range of more than 200 miles for low-flying targets and farther for aerospace vehicles flying at medium to high altitudes. (Courtesy photo)

Air operations over JBER An E-3 Sentry assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron takes off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 5, 2020. The E-3, also known as the Airborne Warning and Control System, is equipped with a rotating radar dome that provides air surveillance over land or water to identify and track friendly and enemy aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alejandro Pena)

Gunfighter Flag wraps up An E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft from the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., sits on the flightline at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 21, 2009, during Gunfighter Flag. The AWACS aircrew participated as friendly “blue air” forces during the exercise. Gunfighter Flag, which ran from Sept. 14 through 24, was Mountain Home’s first large-scale, multi-national exercise which brought more than 450 personnel from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Canadian air force to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Debbie Lockhart)

Sentry on the way An E-3 Sentry assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., takes off for a mission during exercise Red Flag 23-2 at Nellis AFB, Nev., Aug. 4, 2023. Red Flag provides Airmen with the opportunity to experience realistic combat scenarios in preparation for future warfare. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)

Red Flag-Alaska ends ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — An E-3 A NATO E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System prepares to touch the tarmac after participating in Red Flag-Alaska 2009 April 30 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. This exercise enabled flying squadrons to enhance their fighting capabilities in simulated combat sorties in a realistic threat environment. The 10-day exercise ended May 1. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Laura Turner)

A KC-135R Stratotanker refuels an E-3 Sentry A KC-135R Stratotanker assigned to the 507th Air Refueling Wing refuels an E-3 Sentry from the 552nd Air Control Wing during an orientation flight at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Feb. 25, 2020. The flight gave the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center logistics community and interns from the Premier College Intern Program and PALACE Acquire Logistics Trainee Program an opportunity to learn about the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary Begy)

170821-N-XC372-677 (Aug. 21, 2017) A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system assigned to Air Combat Command at Tinker Air Force Base flies over the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with its carrier strike group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. COMPTUEX tests a carrier strike group’s mission-readiness and ability to perform as an integrated unit through simulated real-world scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony J. Rivera)

250310-F-UT528-1003 Red Flag 25-2 Expands International Collaboration and Multi-Domain Integration A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry assigned to the 552nd Air Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, taxis out for a night mission during Red Flag-Nellis 25-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 10, 2025. Red Flag provides unique training with an emphasis on Airmen and Guardians’ readiness for high-end warfighting and strategic competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis)