US E-4B NAOC conducts aerial refueling mission

A US Air Force E-4B Nightwatch aircraft, known as the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), was tracked departing from Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The aircraft, using the callsign BAYER?16, conducted an aerial refueling operation with a KC-135 tanker, callsign BAT71, along the designated AR318 air refueling track. This mission highlights the continued operational readiness of the US strategic command and control fleet, which is designed to serve as a survivable airborne command post in a national emergency. The flight was monitored via public flight tracking and air traffic control audio.