Overview
- Flight data showed the E-4B moved from Offutt Air Force Base to Joint Base Andrews on January 6 before a widely viewed arrival at Los Angeles International Airport captured on livestream.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was aboard for the California leg as part of his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour, with Pentagon-posted images showing stops including a UCLA ROTC workout and an industry visit.
- The public sighting generated intense online speculation about potential conflict, but officials and analysts stressed the aircraft often flies for training, logistics, or positioning.
- Aviation watchers noted what may be the aircraft’s first recorded appearance at LAX in its 51 years of service, highlighted by Airline Videos’ live broadcast.
- The E-4B functions as the National Airborne Operations Center with hardened survivability and secure global communications; the Air Force operates four and keeps at least one on alert.