Bush The Lesser took one more sentimental journey on Air Force One, probably to savor the in-flight amenities one last time. Incidentally, they could have just taken Marine One, the chopper, all the way… or driven. it’s about a 3 hour drive.
President George W. Bush made his last expected journey aboard Air Force One as president today, traveling to Norfolk, Va., for the christening of an aircraft carrier named for his father, the 41st president – the nuclear-powered USS George H.W. Bush
The president and First Lady Laura Bush were joined by their son-in-law, Henry Hager, on the South Lawn of the White House, and Secretary of State Condi Rice and brother Marvin Bush flew with them aboard Marine One to Andrews Air Force Base. Air Force One went wheels up from Andrews at 9:12 am EST and landed at Norfolk Naval Station at 9:41 am. It was chilly at Chambers Field.
After meeting up with the rest of the christening party, Marine One made another run, to the flight deck of the carrier George HW Bush. (CVN 77). The white-top presidential helicopter touched down at 11:03 am, and the president stepped off with his father, his mother and his wife. Both “41” and “43” saluted stepping off the chopper.
The wording indicates that the same helicopter flew the Presidential party from Norfolk to the ship, but any helicopter flying the CIC gets the Marine One designation, and they may have used a different aircraft and crew as a part of this farewell tour. But the primary craft has plenty of range for a flight of about 190 miles, and with a cruising speed of 150 MPH would have taken just over an hour to get there. It could have beaten Air Force One from Andrews to Norfolk if they jammed it and if it took a while to get everyone settled aboard the fixed-wing aircraft before taking off.
But of course, it’s much quieter and more comfortable for a VIP contingent aboard Air Force One… and there are those tempting salty snacks, plus a full kitchen.