Flying Command Center

Description

SECURITY OF DEPARTMENT NEWSFILM RELEASE OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (PUBLIC AFFAIRS) UNITED STATES Avenue WASHINGTON, D.C. - 20301 OF PLEASE NOTE DATE IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 1971 OXford 76161 Number 90-71 Footage: 52' 16mm Color Master & Room 2E 773 Magnetic Sound Track FLYING COMMAND CENTER (Official U. S. Air Force Film Released by the Department of Defense) In the event of national emergency, it is imperative that the President - in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces - have an effective line of communications with the military. The National Military Command Center (NMCC) located in the Pentagon provides the President with that capability. If for any reason NMCC is unable to function, a standby, airborne command center, known as "Nightwatch," is available. "Nightwatch" aircraft, the military version of the Boeing 707, is fitted with the same sophisticated communications equipment used in the NMCC. "Night- watch" aircraft are ready to fly at all times, and can be airborne and in position within minutes. The aircraft's mobility and the fact that it can be refueled in flight make it an obvious choice as a back-up to the NMCC. The NMCC and the "Nightwatch" aircraft are responsibilities of the Armed Forces' Joint Chiefs of Staff, and during a national emergency serve the President. While airborne, the aircraft carries a full staff of representa- tives of the President and of the Joint Chiefs ready to take over if the need arise. SEQUENCES FOOTAGE VIDEO AUDIO 3 (a) Nightwatch aircraft on flight line Wild Track 5 (b) Flight crew in "Alert" room If If 9 (c) Flight crew, responding to "Alert" boards 11 11 aircraft 4 (d) Pilot and Co-pilot at controls 11 11 7 (e) President's and JCS representatives board 11 11 aircraft 4 (f) Various shots of ground crew readying 11 11 aircraft 5 (g) Nightwatch aircraft taxis and takes off 11 11 - MORE -

Collection

Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer

Series

Filmed News Releases