Air Force One facts for kids
Air Force One is the special name, or call sign, given to any Air Force aircraft that has the President of the United States on board. It's not just one specific plane!
The president usually travels in one of two very special airplanes. These are highly modified Boeing 747 jumbo jets. They are only called Air Force One when the President is actually flying in them. If the Vice President or another high-ranking official is using the plane, it gets a different call sign, like Air Force Two. Otherwise, the planes are just known by their tail numbers, like any other aircraft.
For example, when Richard Nixon stopped being President in 1974, he flew home to California on the plane that had been Air Force One. But halfway there, he was no longer president, so the plane's call sign changed.
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What is Air Force One?
Air Force One is more than just a plane. It's a flying office and a safe command center for the President. It allows the President to travel anywhere in the world while still being able to lead the country. This special aircraft is designed to keep the President safe and connected, no matter what.
The Special Airplanes
The two main planes used as Air Force One are highly customized Boeing VC-25A aircraft. These are military versions of the popular Boeing 747-200B passenger jet. They are known by their tail numbers, SAM 28000 and SAM 29000. SAM stands for Special Air Mission.
These planes are built to be very strong and secure. They have special defenses to protect the President. They can also refuel in the air, meaning they can stay airborne for a very long time. This allows the President to travel great distances without needing to land.
Inside Air Force One
The inside of Air Force One is like a luxurious and secure office. It has several levels and many different rooms. There's a large conference room where the President can hold meetings. There's also a private office and sleeping quarters for the President.
The plane has a medical operating room, just in case of an emergency. A doctor is always on board. There are also areas for staff, Secret Service agents, and journalists. The plane has advanced communication systems. These systems allow the President to talk securely with leaders around the world. They can also communicate with military commanders at any time.
History of Presidential Flights
Presidents have been flying for a long time, but the idea of a dedicated "Air Force One" came later.
Early Presidential Flights
The first president to fly in an aircraft while in office was Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1943, during World War II, he flew to a conference in Casablanca. This was a big step for presidential travel. His plane was a Douglas C-54 Skymaster called the Sacred Cow. It was the first aircraft specifically designed for presidential use. It even had an elevator to help President Roosevelt get on and off the plane.
After the Sacred Cow, President Harry S. Truman used a VC-118 Liftmaster called the Independence. This plane was named after his hometown in Missouri.
The Jet Age and Air Force One
The term "Air Force One" became official during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's time. In 1953, his plane, a Lockheed C-121 Constellation named Columbine II, accidentally had the same flight number as a commercial airliner. To avoid confusion and ensure safety, the unique call sign "Air Force One" was created.
President Eisenhower later used Boeing 707 jets. These faster planes made international travel much easier for presidents. The most famous of these was SAM 26000. This plane served many presidents, from John F. Kennedy to Bill Clinton. It was on board SAM 26000 that Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President after President Kennedy's death in 1963.
Another important 707 was SAM 27000. This plane served presidents from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush. These 707s were eventually replaced by the larger Boeing 747s we see today.
Who Flies Air Force One?
Air Force One is flown by highly skilled pilots from the Presidential Airlift Group. This group is part of the United States Air Force's 89th Airlift Wing. These pilots are experts at flying and are trained for any situation. They are responsible for the President's safety during flights.
The crew on Air Force One includes many people. There are flight attendants, chefs, and communication specialists. All of them work together to make sure the President's journey is smooth and secure.
Images for kids
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Theodore Roosevelt and pilot Arch Hoxsey before their flight from St. Louis in October 1910
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow
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The VC-118 Independence used primarily by President Truman
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The VC-121 Columbine II used by President Eisenhower (shown while undergoing restoration in 2016)
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SAM 970 in Eisenhower era livery
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Loewy's initial design proposal
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SAM 26000 served Kennedy to Clinton (shown in AF2 livery)
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Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in as President aboard SAM 26000 following John F. Kennedy's death.
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SAM 27000 served presidents Nixon to George W. Bush.
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SAM 28000 sits on the ramp as SAM 29000 descends on final approach at Hickam with George W. Bush
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President George W. Bush aboard a VC-25 on September 11, 2001
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President Barack Obama meets with staff mid-flight aboard Air Force One, in the conference room, April 3, 2009.
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VC-6A used as Air Force One
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A USAF Gulfstream V in VIP livery
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A Boeing C-32 (Boeing 757) serving as Air Force Two
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Lockheed JetStar used by President Johnson on display at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
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President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, and former first lady Nancy Reagan toured SAM 27000, housed at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in October 2005
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See also
In Spanish: Air Force One para niños
