The air transportation known as Air Force One is the epitome of luxury in the skies. The plane is home to the reigning President of the United States during his travels around the country and the globe while en route between locations.

As the President is head of the United States' military forces, security is held to the highest standards in and around every aspect associated with Air Force One.

It should be noted that the plane itself does not carry the title "Air Force One." That title is only applied when the current President is aboard. In the absence of the President, the plane uses similar call signs of other Air Force flights around the country.

The technology aboard the jet routinely used to ferry the President is unprecedented. The arrival of "Air Force One" symbolizes Democracy and power.

Air Force One has carried our Presidents around the country and globe in victory, defeat, and even in death. It should be noted that the jet has safely returned the President to Washington DC every time in its history with only one exception.

Historically, the distinction of the call sign "Air Force One" has never been re-designated in flight with one exception. These exceptions will be discussed in further detail.

Air Force One is a continuum of the White House. The world events do not cease when a President steps aboard a plane bound for different destinations. As such, the technology must enable the President to remain abreast of world and national events while in flight.

When not flying at home, the jet is placed in the most exclusive air terminal in the world - Andrews Air Force Base. The jet is commanded by an Air Force veteran pilot, with a huge support staff to maintain and fly the aircraft. Staff stands by 24 hours a day to ensure flight readiness and a picture perfect media presentation.

Each time the jet departs its hanger, it is a full scale military mission. Each flight is planned in detail to the minute. The goal of each trip is to keep the President alive, both in the air and on the ground. It takes all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to keep the President safe as well as other federal agencies and local police department personnel.

Hanger 19 is mission control for Air Force One located on Andrews Air Force base surrounded by tight security.

AIR FORCE ONE THE PLANE

Today, the plane is a 747 jet. It is 230 feet long making ground maneuvers challenging at best. It rises from the tarmac higher

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