Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Navy E-6B Mercury Disappears During Classified Operation

12/1/2025

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft disappeared over the Atlantic on November 29, 2025, during a classified operation.
It left Maryland at 8:30 a.m. and vanished from radar 60 miles east of the Virginia Capes.
The E-6B Mercury serves as an airborne command center for U.S. Strategic Command and can issue nuclear orders.
The incident followed Thanksgiving, a period when U.S. strategic forces typically reduce operations.

History

Historical Context

In November 1983, NATO conducted Operation Able Archer, a military exercise simulating nuclear conflict that heightened Cold War tensions. The exercise involved over 100,000 troops and alarmed the Soviet Union, which feared it was a cover for a real attack. This incident is considered one of the closest moments to nuclear war since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, underscoring the risks of military miscommunication.

1 of 2

Story summary

A U.S. Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury aircraft disappeared over the Atlantic on November 29, 2025, during a classified operation.
It left Maryland at 8:30 a.m. and vanished from radar 60 miles east of the Virginia Capes.
The E-6B Mercury serves as an airborne command center for U.S. Strategic Command and can issue nuclear orders.
The incident followed Thanksgiving, a period when U.S. strategic forces typically reduce operations.

1 / 2