Well, 2020 is certainly reaching a crescendo.

America’s doomsday planes are in the air following news that the nation’s commander-in-chief, President Donald Trump, has COVID-19.

Two US Navy E-6B Mercury nuclear war command posts were observed in flight this afternoon, one on each coast of the United States. They were initiating the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) defence protocol – essentially dispersing the command and communications facilities needed to control the US nuclear arsenal.

These aircraft are activated by the Pentagon when it is deemed necessary to communicate with the US Navy’s secretive nuclear missile submarines, stealth bombers and missile silos.

The move underscores the potential severity of the situation.

The President of the United States is also the commander-in-chief of the nation’s armed forces, including its nuclear forces. The incapacitation of whoever holds this position could be seen as an opportunity by potential belligerents.

COVID-19, which has so far killed 200,000 US citizens, is particularly deadly among older sufferers. President Trump is 74 years old.

The two E-6Bs appeared on flight tracking systems 30 minutes before Trump announced his condition.

It’s no accident the aircraft were seen.

Military aircraft and ships usually fly with their radio identification transponders turned off in order to avoid being tracked and identified.

If it is on, it’s because the aircraft wants to be seen.

In being seen, the US Pentagon is sending a subtle – but clear – message that it is prepared for any eventuality.