[D66] US E-6b Mercury Command Aircraft has landed in Ramstein

[René Oudeweg]

cedarnews.net
US Navy E-6B Mercury crosses Atlantic in rare overseas mission toward 
Germany
moon
~2 minutes
US Navy E-6B Mercury

A rare overseas movement of the US Navy E-6B Mercury nuclear command and 
control aircraft has drawn international attention as it crossed the 
Atlantic and entered European airspace.

Flight tracking data shows the E-6B Mercury using callsigns WEPT45 and 
WEPT25 with transponder hex codes #AE041C and #AEDA A5. The aircraft, 
which usually operates within U.S. airspace, is now approaching the 
United Kingdom and is expected to continue toward Germany’s Ramstein or 
Spangdahlem Air Base.

Rare transatlantic flight

The E-6B Mercury, nicknamed the “doomsday plane,” serves as an airborne 
nuclear command post, ensuring communication between U.S. military 
leadership and nuclear forces in the event of crisis. Its presence in 
Europe is uncommon, making this deployment particularly noteworthy.

Strategic implications

Military analysts point out that such movements often align with 
training exercises or heightened readiness operations. The fact that a 
nuclear command aircraft is operating in Europe could signal either a 
scheduled drill or a precautionary measure amid global tensions.

Aircraft role and significance

The E-6B Mercury, derived from the Boeing 707 platform, plays a critical 
role in U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy. It provides TACAMO (Take 
Charge and Move Out) capability, maintaining secure communications with 
ballistic missile submarines and land-based missile silos.

At this time, the U.S. Navy has not issued an official statement 
regarding the aircraft’s mission in European airspace. Flight tracker 
enthusiasts and defense watchers continue to monitor its progress closely

Op 22-09-2025 om 05:46 schreef René Oudeweg:
> [doomsday plane]
> 
> A US E-6b Mercury Command Aircraft has landed in Ramstein Germany today, 
> responsible for the communication of orders to ballistic missile 
> submarines of the US Navy in the area. this deployment is rare and has 
> not been seen in years. The United Nations and NATO will be preparing to 
> make a repsonse to the Russian violation of airspace in Estonia