LINCOLN- Modified white Boeing 747-200s with the blue stripe down the side and "United States of America" stenciled across their bodies are often mistaken for Air Force One. These planes, although not carrying the president, play an equally vital role. These planes, better known as E-4B planes operate as airborne command centers, ensuring the military is able to continue operations and the chain of commend if the country were to come under a nuclear attack.

The four planes will be based in Lincoln until the $150 million Offutt Air Force Base runway reconstruction project is complete. The planes have been stored at Lincoln's commercial airport in 2019 after Offutt had severe flooding and did another short stint in 2006-2007 due to construction. The planes have a normal crew of about 70 people but can accommodate 112 passengers.

The Lincoln Airport is special in that most commercial airplanes do not have the capability to store planes of this caliber.

"I think for me the biggest thing is being able to partner with the military and with Offutt," Nick Cusick, chairman of the Lincoln Airport Authority, said.

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