The U.S. Air Force has transferred E-4B aircraft from Air Combat Command to Air Force Global Strike Command during a ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.
The service branch said Friday this aircraft transfer builds on a larger effort to centralize the management of the Air Force’s nuclear enterprise and supporting systems.
“The E-4B may not function in the same capacity as our bomber force, but it certainly has a role to play within the nuclear enterprise and seems only fitting that it resides within the command responsible for nuclear operations,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, 8th Air Force commander.
The 595th Command and Control Group was also activated as the 8th Air Force unit that will manage E-4B aircraft, the service branch added.
The 595th CACG is comprised of the 1st Airborne Command Control Squadron, the 595th Strategic Communication Squadron, the 595th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and retired Gen. Mark Welsh, former chief of staff, ordered the creation of an organization with a clear line of communication between the president and nuclear task force members.
Air Force Global Strike Command was named as the service branch’s lead for nuclear command, control and communications.
E-4B was included in the restructuring initiative as it is a component of the National Military Command System that works to connect the president with nuclear and conventional forces worldwide.
