Background
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
