Where is Air Force One Kept?
The President of the United States has a unique set of responsibilities, and one of the most iconic symbols of those responsibilities is Air Force One. But where exactly is this famous aircraft kept? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the various hangars and facilities that serve as the home to the President’s plane.
Contents
History of Air Force One
Before we dive into the logistics of where Air Force One is kept, let’s take a quick look at its history. The term "Air Force One" was coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953, and it refers to the customized Boeing 707 airliner that serves as the primary mode of transportation for the President of the United States. Over the years, the aircraft has undergone numerous upgrades and modifications, and today it is equipped with state-of-the-art communications and security systems.
Primary Hangars: Joint Base Andrews and Hickam Air Force Base
Air Force One is typically based at one of two primary hangars:
• Joint Base Andrews: Located in Maryland, this base is the primary operating location for Air Force One. The aircraft is normally parked in Hangar One, a massive structure that houses a variety of aircraft used by the President and other government officials.
• Hickam Air Force Base: Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, this base is used as a backup site for Air Force One when the President is visiting the islands. The aircraft is typically parked in Hangar 49, a dedicated facility that provides the necessary support and maintenance services for the plane.
Maintenance and Upkeep: AMARC and Tinker AFB
In addition to the primary hangars at Joint Base Andrews and Hickam Air Force Base, Air Force One is also maintained and upgraded at:
• AMARC: The Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) is a large aircraft storage and maintenance facility located in Tucson, Arizona. This facility is used for long-term storage and refurbishment of Air Force One, as well as other aircraft used by the Air Force.
• Tinker AFB: The Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma is a major maintenance and repair facility that provides support for Air Force One. The base’s 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group is responsible for the aircraft’s routine maintenance, inspections, and modifications.
Where Air Force One is Kept: A Breakdown of the Facilities
Here’s a breakdown of the facilities that play a role in housing Air Force One:
| Facility | Location | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Hangar One | Joint Base Andrews, MD | Primary operating location for Air Force One |
| Hangar 49 | Hickam Air Force Base, HI | Backup site for Air Force One when the President is visiting Hawaii |
| AMARC | Tucson, AZ | Long-term storage and refurbishment of Air Force One |
| Tinker AFB | Oklahoma | Routine maintenance, inspections, and modifications of Air Force One |
How Air Force One is Manned and Operated
Air Force One is staffed by a team of highly trained airmen, airwomen, and ground support personnel. The flight crew consists of:
- One pilot with over 4,000 hours of experience
- One pilot-in-command with over 1,000 hours of experience
- One flight navigator
- One loadmaster
- One engineer
- One communications technician
- One medical attendant
- One security detail (optional)
The President of the United States is always on board Air Force One during flight, and the flight crew is responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of the President and any passengers.
Conclusion
So, where is Air Force One kept? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might think, as the aircraft is rotated between several facilities depending on its maintenance and operational schedule. From its primary home at Joint Base Andrews to its backup site at Hickam Air Force Base, Air Force One is maintained and operated by a dedicated team of airmen and ground support personnel. Whether it’s flying over the skies of the United States or being upgraded and refurbished at one of the many facilities that support it, Air Force One remains an iconic symbol of the President’s power and responsibility.
