US E-6B Mercury active off Oregon coast

Unusual US Strategic Command (STRATCOM) activity continues with an E-6B Mercury communications relay and strategic airborne command post aircraft operating off the Oregon coast. The aircraft is transmitting from the DCC IRON THREE STR ALT RESERVATION area, which is not typically activated compared to the more commonly used BRAVO THREE box and KELLY THREE circle further south. This marks a continuation of recent E-6B Mercury operations, following similar activity off the East Coast earlier this week. The E-6B serves as a vital communications link for US nuclear forces and national command authorities.