boeing vc-25aAir Force One On January 8, 2014, Air Force One departed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after an overnight visit to Phoenix, Arizona by the President of the United States.  It is always awesome to see Air Force One, and this time did not disappoint!  Since the President's visit is always announced ahead of time, along with approximate arrival and departure times, it gives some time to planning photo locations.  On this visit the arrival was after dark, so I decided to skip that.  But his departure was going to be right around Noon, so I was able to plan a location and get the photos.

The following are some facts and a brief history about Air Force One, and is found on the White House website; the President of the United States must be ready to travel anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice. Fortunately, modern Presidents have access to a variety of transportation options — including flying aboard Air Force One.

Technically, Air Force One is used to describe any Air Force aircraft carrying the President — but since the middle of the 20th century, it has been standard practice to refer to specific planes that are equipped to transport the Commander-in-Chief. Today, this name refers to one of two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which carry the tail codes 28000 and 29000. The Air Force designation for the aircraft is VC-25A.

Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency, spawning countless references not just in American culture but across the world. Emblazoned with the words "United States of America," the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it flies.

Capable of refueling midair, Air Force One has unlimited range and can carry the President wherever he needs to travel. The onboard electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command center in the event of an attack on the United States.

Inside, the President and his travel companions enjoy 4,000 square feet of floor space on three levels, including an extensive suite for the President that features a large office, lavatory, and conference room. Air Force One includes a medical suite that can function as an operating room, and a doctor is permanently on board. The plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.

Air Force One also has quarters for those who accompany the President, including senior advisors, Secret Service officers, traveling press, and other guests. Several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with services needed in remote locations.

Air Force One is maintained and operated by the Presidential Airlift Group, part of the White House Military Office. The Airlift Group was founded in 1944 as the Presidential Pilot Office at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. For the next 15 years, various propeller-driven aircraft served the President, until President Dwight D. Eisenhower flew to Europe aboard VC-137A, a Boeing 707 Stratoliner, in August 1959.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy became the first President to fly in a jet specifically built for presidential use – a modified Boeing 707. Over the years, several other jet aircraft have been used, with the first of the current aircraft being delivered in 1990 during the administration of President George H. W. Bush.

boeing vc-25aAir Force One

There are also a lot of support aircraft that arrive prior to the President's visit, they haul the necessary personnel and equipment to support the President while he is in town.  This time included no less than three Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.  These aircraft usually haul a helicopter and the motorcade vehicles, and have everything delivered and ready prior to the President's arrival.

boeing c-17a globemaster III62d Airlift Wing (62 AW) 446th Airlift Wing (446 AW)

boeing c-17a globemaster III62d Airlift Wing (62 AW) 446th Airlift Wing (446 AW)

Information provided by whitehouse.gov.