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An essential element in the
command and control of the Strategic Air Command's forces was the Airborne Command
Post, also called "Looking Glass." The
nickname came from the mission - it was a mirror of the ground-based system. At least
one airborne command post was in the air at all times
and its highly-trained crew and staff ensured there was a viable
means to direct bombers and missiles from the air should
ground-based command centers become inoperable. It
guaranteed that U.S. strategic forces would act only in the
precise manner dictated by the President.
These aircraft began their duty with
SAC on February 3, 1961. From then on, a
Looking Glass aircraft was in the air at all times 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year for more than 29 years. On July 24, 1990,
Looking Glass ceased continuous airborne alert, but remained on
ground or airborne alert 24 hours a day. Crews accumulated more
than 281,000 accident-free flying hours. The last EC-135
was retired from service on October 1, 1998. |
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