An E-3 Sentry AWACS from the 966th AWACS, Tinker AFB, OK, flies over the New Mexico mountain ranges while on a training mission. The E-3 Sentry is an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft that provides all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by commanders of U.S. and NATO air defense forces. As proven in Desert Storm, it is the premier air battle command and control aircraft in the world today.