260212-F-AF000-1314 YFQ-42 aircraft sit on the flightline at a California test location as part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft flight test campaign. The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster. (Courtesy photo)

260212-F-AF000-1313 YFQ-44 aircraft are parked on the flightline at a California test location for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The CCA initiative is transforming the acquisition process by proving a government-owned open architecture can break vendor lock and speed the delivery of superior capabilities to the warfighter. (Courtesy photo)

241108-F-TF632-1072 909th ARS refuels 84th RS A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 84th Reconnaissance Squadron conducts aerial refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron over the coast of Japan, Nov. 8, 2024. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)

230819-F-MI946-1631 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 912th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during Operation Agile Spartan above the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, Aug. 19, 2023. Agile Spartan demonstrated flexible response options through decisive combat airpower in air superiority, airlift, surveillance and reconnaissance. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

230819-F-MI946-1811 Agile Spartan 23.2: RJ’s stay on watch A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron taxis off the runway during Operation Agile Spartan at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, Aug. 19, 2023. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft participated in this exercise to demonstrate its support to theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. The month-long, multinational operation demonstrated interoperability between regional partners, improved response capabilities, and further enhanced security throughout the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leon Redfern)

161030-F-XV591-9001 An Offutt-based RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint climbs into the air during Global Thunder 17, U.S. Strategic Command’s annual command post and field training exercise, Oct. 30, 2016, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The exercise provided training opportunities for USSTRATCOM-tasked components, task forces, units and command posts to deter and, if necessary, defeat a military attack against the United States and to employ forces as directed by the President.

250821-F-GK113-9005 Riveting takeoff A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint, assigned to the 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, departs RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, Aug. 21, 2025. With 108 years of continuous service, the 95th RS stands as one of the oldest active units in the Air Force. Since its activation on Aug. 20, 1917, the squadron has carried a variety of missions through nearly every major conflict, including its historic role as a bombardment squadron during the Doolittle Raid of 1942. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Long)

250703-F-XK483-1116 A 55th Wing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, South Australia July 3, 2025. The 55th Wing implements and tests the Air Force Force Generation model during an exercise, Talon Shield, to deploy as a unit from home station to another location to support down range operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chris Thornbury)

250331-F-BX586-9999 Eyes of the Pacific: Allied ISR strengthens deterrence at Kadena Air Base A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron to receive aerial refueling over the Pacific Ocean, March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers with near real-time, on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)

190508-F-OQ776-9036 A U.S. Air Force RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., May 8, 2019. In 1994, all RC-135S aircraft and operations were transferred to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacob Skovo)

040618-F-JZ509-100 040618-F-JZ509-100 An RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft flies a training mission from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. There are only two Combat Sent aircraft in the Air Force inventory and both are assigned to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB.

251222-F-AF000-2587 The U.S. Air Force announced, Dec. 22, the designation of YFQ-48A – seen here in an undated photo – as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

211109-N-FA490-3158 JAVA SEA (Nov. 9, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to “The Golden Swordsmen” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 participates in Cooperation Afloat and Readiness and Training (CARAT) Indonesia 2021. In its 27th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner navies’ abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Langholf/released)

210711-N-IJ992-0002 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (July 11, 2021) A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, attached to the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, taxis on a runway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, July 11, 2021. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure stability, security, and the free flow of commerce in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean, and three strategic chokepoints. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andy A. Anderson)

220616-N-SU685-0034 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (June 16, 2022) A P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 prepares to take off on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam in support of exercise Valiant Shield 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allow the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sergio Montanez)

240425-N-FY142-1213 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) A P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10 takes off on a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission flight. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

210406-N-EJ241-1020 MISAWA, Japan (April 6, 2021) ? A P-8A Poseidon, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8, lands at Misawa Air Base. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jan David De Luna Mercado)

210511-F-UV276-1005 ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 11, 2021) A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, based in Florida, refuels a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida above the Atlantic Ocean during sunset, May 10, 2021. The P8 operates in the anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and shipping interdiction roles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany A. Emery)

240425-N-FY142-1003 MISAWA, Japan (Apr. 25, 2024) – The UNIPAC-III Search and Rescue (SAR) kit installed in the weapons bay of a P-8A Poseidon assigned to the “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10. The P-8A is capable of supporting SAR missions by quickly securing, launching, and deploying the SAR kit to stranded persons and increasing the chances of survivability prior to rescue. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Ashley Guire)

230704-N-NY362-1313 PHILIPPINE SEA (July 4, 2023) A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon flies above a formation of surface ships and submarines from the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in the Philippine Sea during Pacific Vanguard 23, July 4, 2023. Pacific Vanguard is an opportunity for the four Indo-Pacific navies to strengthen their skills in maritime operations, anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, live-fire missile events, and advanced maneuvering scenarios in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC). The U.S. military routinely operates in designated land, air, and sea areas of the Mariana Islands to safely train military service members in equipment use, tactics, joint operations, and humanitarian aid missions. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Santiago Navarro)

070320-F-2533P-312 Hurricane Hunters A WC-130J Hercules from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters flies a mission. The Air Force Reserve squadron is part of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The data collected by the Hurricane Hunters increases the accuracy of the National Hurricane Center Forecast by 30 percent. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

110902-F-RL023-013 The center of circulation of a tropical storm can be seen as the WC-130J aircraft flies over the eye. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron “Hurricane Hunters,” were heading back to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss, after penetrating the storm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Valerie Smock)

290109-F-IE88D-1001 HURCON – 1 A U.S. Air Force graphic displays information about the hurricane condition scale to inform the public about hurricane preparations at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Aug. 29, 2023. The HURCON scale is an alert scale used by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies to indicate the state of emergency and to estimate the time until the onset of destructive winds from a hurricane. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Devyn Waits)

070320-F-2533P-402 Citizen Airmen return to Keesler, chase Hanna, Ike “Hurricane Hunters” such as these aircraft, the WC-130J (right) and C-130J-30, are part of the Air Force Reserve’s 403rd Wing located at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

040201-F-2533P-101 Hurricane Hunters take on winter storms A WC-130J readies for takeoff at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Reserve Hurricane Hunters of the 403rd Wing from Keesler AFB, Miss., deployed for a month to collect weather data ahead of pending winter storms. The data they collect increases the accuracy of the National Weather Service forecast by 10 to 20 percent. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

AFNORTH Hurricane Hunters on the move Air Force WC-130J aircraft and reservists from the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., continue to fly daily weather reconnaissance missions into Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hannah from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. The Hurricane Hunters aid the National Weather Service in providing the storms’ projected path to the American public and are the only operational unit in the world flying weather reconnaissance on a routine basis. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Norton)

080910-F-2533P-223 Hurricane Hunters track Ike A WC-130J Hurricane Hunter takes off for a mission into the eye of Hurricane Ike Sept. 10 from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. With the exception of two palletized weather stations, the WC-130J is not modified for missions into hurricanes and other troical weather. The aircraft is manned by reservists from the 53rd Weather Reconniassance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. James B. Pritchett)

211013-F-KV687-1084 Hurricane Hunters testing new SATCOM capabilities A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Hurricane Hunters at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., takes off for a training flight Oct. 13, 2021. During the flight, a team tested new satellite communications capabilities that could enable more information to be disseminated during weather reconnaissance flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman)

050921-F-3742P-002 Hurricane Hunter DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. — Hurricane Hunters from the Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron land their WC-130J Hercules here after a flight to check on Hurricane Rita. The Airmen gather information on the storm including atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction and send it directly to the National Hurricane Center. The Hurricane Hunters are the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes, and have done so since 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo by Don Peek)

211012-F-KV687-1014 Hurricane Hunters testing new SATCOM capabilities A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron sits on the flightline at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Oct. 12, 2021. The attachment on top of the aircraft is a satellite antenna the squadron tested that will enhance in-flight data transmission capabilities, resulting in more information for forecasters at the National Hurricane Center to work with. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Pittman)

250625-F-OC707-9009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II takes off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

250625-F-OC707-9007 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II prepares for take-off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

250710-F-F3962-0009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path July 10 on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft is in its third month of developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command. (Courtesy image)

250625-F-OC707-9009 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II takes off June 25, 2025, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with 96th Test Wing and U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

260121-F-KQ087-1147 355th Wing OA-1K Skyraider II familiarization flight U.S. Air Force Col. Charles Redmond, 355th Wing deputy commander, and a pilot assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing prepare to take off in an OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Jan. 21, 2026. Redmond participated in a familiarization flight to better understand the Skyraider II’s mission set and capabilities, enhancing mission readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos)

250710-F-F3962-0008 OA-1K testing An OA-1K Skyraider II comes in for a landing on a dirt path July 10 on the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida range. The new Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft continues developmental testing with the 96th Test Wing and the U.S. Special Operations Command at Eglin. (Courtesy image)

250128-F-LD209-1035 A U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 28, 2025. The OA-1K Skyraider II is a new, flexible, cost-effective crewed aircraft adaptable to deliver capabilities in support of defense priorities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli)

250128-F-LD209-1066 A U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II is parked on the flightline at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Jan. 28, 2025. Air Force Special Operations Command Leadership announced the name for the OA-1K during the Special Air Warfare Symposium in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Feb. 27, 2025. The moniker renews the versatile nature of the A-1 Skyraider, which operated from 1946 through the early 1980s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Fiorilli)

160323-F-NA343-265 U-2 Dragon Lady A U- 2 Dragon Lady approaches an altitude near 70,000 ft. above California, Mar. 23, 2016. The pilot must wear a full-pressure suit similar to NASA astronaut suits. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo)

250731-F-WX919-1003 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, prepare to fly a TU-2S Dragon Lady by spending an hour undergoing 100% oxygen exposure with the 9th Physiological Support Squadron at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250731-F-WX919-1158 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, is prepared for flight by members of the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, July 31st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1021 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1028 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1034 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

250801-F-WX919-1050 Team Beale conducts historic U-2 Dragon Lady flight, 11 years in the making A 9th Reconnaissance Wing TU-2S Dragon Lady piloted by Cory “ULTRALORD” Bartholomew, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) assigned flight safety officer and U-2 instructor pilot, and Lt. Col. “JETHRO”, 1st RS instructor pilot and U-2 chief pilot, lands at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California, Aug. 1st, 2025. “ULTRALORD” and “JETHRO”’s flight took place on the 70th anniversary of the U-2’s first flight and broke the endurance records for the U-2, flying longer than 14 hours and traveled over 6,000 nautical miles. This flight tested the capabilities of the U-2 and its pilots to its limit and showcased Beale AFB’s capacity as a power projection platform to rapidly respond to adversary actions anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Frederick A. Brown)

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)