Final landing

Flight Journal, Dec 1999 by Handleman, Philip

The United States' first jet-powered plane dedicated exclusively for use by the President made its final landing last May at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.

On May 20, the roar of the former Air Force One's engines was silenced for the last time on the runway near the U.S. Air Force Museum's Presidential Gallery. A contingent from the 89th Airlift Wing then filed out of the 36-year-old Boeing 707 and officially gave the aircraft to the museum during its retirement ceremony. Its first pilot, Col. James B. Swindal USAF (Ret.) was on hand to greet the 707's arrival.

Since the aircraft's premier mission in October 1962-transporting Libya's crown prince for a United States visitevents of significance have taken place within it. In November 1962, the Kennedy family flew aboard for the first time to attend Eleanor Roosevelt's funeral in New York. Ironically, one year later, the plane carried the body of President Jack Kennedy back to Washington. President Lyndon B. Johnson traveled to Texas frequently aboard this jet, and President Richard Nixon was aboard for his diplomatic trip to China in February 1972.

By late 1972, the aircraft, which had a tail designation as SAM (Special Air Missions) 26000, was supplanted by a newer Boeing 707. However, SAM 26000 continued to be used as a presidential backup. Its last official duty was carrying

Vice President Al Gore.

The jet can now be seen on public display at Ohio's U.S. Air Force Museum. For more information, call (937) 255-4704.