About this Unit
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.
Historical Facts
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NEACP stands for National Emergency Airborne Command Post: Pronounced “kneecap,” NEACP was a U.S. Air Force program that provided an airborne command center for national leadership during major crises, particularly nuclear war.
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Operation Looking Glass predecessor: NEACP was the original airborne command post for national command authorities, while “Looking Glass” referred to the similar Strategic Air Command (SAC) aircraft for controlling nuclear forces.
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“Doomsday Plane” nickname: NEACP aircraft, typically EC-135J or later E-4B planes, were often called “Doomsday Planes” because they were designed to operate during and after a nuclear exchange.
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24/7 Readiness: During the Cold War, NEACP maintained a constant alert status, with planes and crews ready to launch at a moment’s notice to ensure continuity of government.
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Presidential evacuation role: If a nuclear attack was imminent, the President and key advisors would be evacuated to the NEACP aircraft to ensure command and control of U.S. military forces.
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Advanced communications suite: NEACP planes were equipped with state-of-the-art communications gear, including satellite, HF, VLF, and UHF radios to maintain contact with military units worldwide, even after ground-based infrastructure was destroyed.
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“Nightwatch” callsign: The E-4B aircraft that replaced the original NEACP EC-135s began using the callsign “Nightwatch” in the late 1970s, a name still in use today.
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Secretive home base: NEACP aircraft were primarily based at Andrews Air Force Base (now Joint Base Andrews) near Washington, D.C., but their exact operational details remain highly classified.
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Post-9/11 operations: On September 11, 2001, NEACP/Nightwatch aircraft were launched as a precaution, ready to provide airborne command for the President and senior military leaders.
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Appearances in popular culture: The concept of an airborne command post like NEACP has appeared in films such as “WarGames” and “The Sum of All Fears,” highlighting its role in nuclear deterrence and national security.
