On the morning of December 3, unusual military aircraft activity was detected over US territory. This included two RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft, two National Air Operations Center (NAOC) Boeing E-4B command centers, a B-52 strategic bomber with its transponder activated, and an E-3B Sentry airborne early warning system. This was reported by sources monitoring military flights.

The NAOC, known as the "doomsday planes," is a fleet of modified Boeing E-4B aircraft designed to ensure the continuity of government during emergencies, particularly during a nuclear conflict. These aircraft serve as a mobile command center for the National Command Authority, ensuring communications and coordination during a global crisis.

It is noteworthy that this occurred against the backdrop of the successful launch of a Russian rocket from Plesetsk.