An unmarked airplane was spotted in Fresno this past weekend circling the city’s airport, at least the third such incident in a string of unusual appearances in the state of military-level aircraft.
The Navy Boeing E-6B Mercury, nicknamed the “Doomsday Plane,” flew about 30 minutes Sunday in an unusually low level. It was not clear what the aircraft was doing. That type of plane typically provides airborne headquarters and communications for the U.S. Navy. The aircraft serves as a nuclear control platform and strategic command post.
Videos show the white plane with glaring lights descending and taking off.
In March 8, another E-6B Mercury was spotted in Fresno making mock landings for two hours. Two days later, a Boeing P-8 Poseidon, known as a “submarine hunter,” flew over Fresno as well, the California Post previously reported.
Many residents heard the Poseidon before they saw it, according to FOX26, describing the aircraft as big, loud, and flying unusually low.
The appearances come amid a leaked FBI memo of an “unverified” report that Iranian drones could attack California from a ship, but authorities have downplayed the memo.
“No such threat from Iran to our homeland exists, and it never did,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said on X.
The aircraft can remain airborne for up to 12 hours without refueling and is capable of refueling mid-flight to extend missions even longer. It is built to maintain global communications and operate even if ground command centers are disabled, essentially functioning as a mobile Pentagon in the sky.
“It is common for aircraft to conduct touch-and-go operations at Fresno Yosemite International Airport,” Vikkie Calderon, a spokesperson for the airport, told the LA Times. “In addition to serving as a public-use airport, Fresno’s geographical location, runway capabilities, and Instrument Landing Systems make it an optimal choice for a wide range of aircraft operations.”
