Looking Glass (or Operation Looking Glass) is the code name for an airborne command and control center operated by the United States. It provides command and control of U.S. nuclear forces in the event that ground-based command centers were destroyed or otherwise rendered inoperable.

In such an event, the general officer aboard the Looking Glass serves as the Airborne Emergency Action Officer (AEAO) and by law assumed the authority of the National Command Authority and could command execution of nuclear attacks.

The AEAO is supported by a battle staff of approximately 20 people, with another dozen responsible for the operation of the aircraft systems.

Declassified Documents

 Staff instructions and training modules for Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) / Looking Glass [178 Pages, 3.7MB] – Released from STRATCOM.

Declassified Photos

The post Operation Looking Glass – Airborne United States Command and Control Center first appeared on The Black Vault.