NEACP

The National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP), often nicknamed "Kneecap," was established in the early 1960s during the Cold War as a critical component of the United States' continuity of government plans. Operated by the U.S. Air Force, NEACP utilized specially modified Boeing 747s (originally EC-135s) equipped with advanced communications and command systems, allowing national leaders to direct military operations in the event of a nuclear conflict or major national emergency. The NEACP aircraft, based at Andrews Air Force Base, served as a survivable, airborne command center for the President, Secretary of Defense, and Joint Chiefs of Staff. In 1994, the NEACP mission and its assets were integrated into the E-4B "Nightwatch" fleet, which continues to serve as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) today.