As the order to respond in kind is passed on, the first wave of Soviet ICBMs and SLBMs arrive and cripple most of America's missile silos and bomber bases. A Soviet missile detonates near Chevy Chase, Maryland, and the President is told that the Soviets have launched a second strike. The president reluctantly gives a second order to respond just before SAC and Omaha, Nebraska, are destroyed. As he is being evacuated from the White House, the president is told that the second Soviet launch was directed at the Chinese, which means a second strike by the United States is unnecessary. A nearby detonation causes Marine One to crash and seemingly kills the president.