The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch — nicknamed the "Doomsday Plane" — was filmed landing at LAX, and video posted to X prompted widespread social media speculation. The modified 747 is hardened against EMP attacks, supports extensive communications gear and can remain airborne about 12 hours with aerial refueling capability; it entered service in 1980. Reports say Pete Hegseth and several Pentagon reporters were aboard; photos and videos shared by a Pentagon press corps member fueled online discussion. The Air Force was contacted for comment.
‘Doomsday Plane’ E-4B Nightwatch Lands at LAX, Prompting Social Media Buzz
The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch — the U.S. Air Force’s hardened, flying command post often called the presidential "Doomsday Plane" — was recorded landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday evening, prompting questions and speculation across social media.
Video of the modified 747 touching down at LAX was posted to the Airline Videos account on X. According to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet, the E-4B is protected against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks and has an electrical architecture built to support advanced electronics and a broad array of communications systems. Its role is to serve as a National Airborne Operations Center in the event of a major crisis.
The aircraft can remain aloft for roughly 12 hours on a full tank and is equipped for aerial refueling; the Nightwatch first entered service in 1980. Reports said the flight included conservative commentator Pete Hegseth traveling with several Pentagon reporters, though official passenger lists were not released.
Photos and a video posted by Pentagon press corps member L. Todd Wood showed him boarding at Joint Base Andrews and included the comment:
"Boarding the Doomsday plane at Joint Base Andrews."
Wood later posted a follow-up video saying he was "looking forward to spending some time with Pete Hegseth today on the Doomsday plane." Activist Laura Loomer and reporter Olivia Rondeau were also photographed near the aircraft during the Los Angeles visit. While in the city, Hegseth was seen working out with Army recruits at UCLA.
The video sparked a flurry of online reaction, with users asking whether the aircraft’s appearance signaled an imminent crisis. Officials did not confirm any emergency; Mediaite reports that requests for comment were sent to the Air Force.
Context: The E-4B is routinely used for secure communications and continuity missions and its presence at a civilian airport is not, on its own, evidence of an emergency. Still, the plane’s association with continuity-of-government missions naturally draws attention when it appears in public.
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