Obama takes 1st Air Force One trip

[unhappycamper]

President Barack Obama boards Air Force One for the first time as president on Feb. 5 at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.


Obama takes 1st Air Force One trip
By Mark S. Smith - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Feb 6, 2009 5:48:57 EST

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama embarked Thursday on his first trip aboard Air Force One, jetting off on a quick hop in hopes of pushing his economic rescue package through Congress.

The run to a House Democrats’ retreat in Williamsburg, Va., is a telling choice for Obama’s first trip outside the Washington area.

“He’s saying that he’s willing to go anywhere and talk to anybody in order to get a recovery and reinvestment plan that moves this economy forward,” press secretary Robert Gibbs said.

For the short flight, Obama took the traditional blue-and-white 747, not one of the smaller jets that fill out the presidential fleet. Air Force One, with its history and distinctive markings, makes a statement — especially on the commander in chief’s maiden voyage.

On departing from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base, Obama broke from tradition as he boarded Marine One, the presidential helicopter, on the South Lawn. He seemed to stun the Marine standing at attention by reaching out to shake his hand. The Marine obliged, shaking the president’s hand before returning to a steady salute.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/02/ap_obama_afone_020509w/%2e

[Turbineguy]

1. Just curious....

does anybody know how long Bush waited to ride that plane?

[liberal N proud]

2. I don't know but I would have been itching to take that thing up

Following the inauguration I would have said lets head for AF-1. But then that is why I would never be a good President. To fascinated with all the gadgets and other amenities.

[Submariner]

3. He seemed to stun the Marine standing at attention

The Marine handled it well and smoothly, clearly caught off guard. If he screwed that up his Commander would probably have him out scrubbing and painting garbage cans already this morning.