Our dimes at work

This State Dept 747 (says United States of America and has a flag on tail) is a very frequent visitor to our area. It takes the same flight path every time and parks at Patrick in the same place every time. The engine sound is unique and unlike any other. The security around it, as it sits on the ground, is extensive. The engines don't shut down and it always seems ready to take off at a moment's notice. And it was parked at Patrick Sunday morning, although it might have been heard arriving Saturday night just after dark...

A West Point grad standing close by said he thinks this plane is the E-4B, one of a fleet of only four aircraft specifically designed to withstand an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) and that " has state-of-the-art direct fire countermeasures ". He told a group observing the plane that it was the original "doomsday plane" . It was (is) designed back in 1973 to conduct warfare in the event of a nuclear attack. With a huge crew, stateof-the-art communications system, and all the comforts of home while in flight for up to 35 hours without refueling - it is an amazing piece of machinery!