The Complete and Brief History of Air Force One
By Anthony F. Giannini, USAF
USA—Certs: Adv. Intelligence Analyst, Adv. Aerial Imagery Analyst, Counterintelligence Agent, Adv. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator; Chief Artist & Series Designer, The White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946
The shimmering blue and white aircraft we now recognize as Air Force One stands as a symbol of American power and ingenuity. However, its story began in a more understated and pivotal era during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The journey from modest beginnings to the airborne command center of today is a thrilling tale of innovation, history, and presidential necessity.
The Birth of Presidential Flight: "The Sacred Cow"
In February 1945, with World War II reshaping global politics, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to fly in a specially outfitted aircraft designated for presidential use. The aircraft was the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, affectionately known as "The Sacred Cow." This historical flight marked a significant shift in presidential transportation, moving from traditional trains and automobiles to the skies, ensuring speed and safety for the Commander-in-Chief.
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Tift "Hank" Myers, an experienced pilot, helmed "The Sacred Cow," which was outfitted with advanced communication equipment, bulletproof windows, and even an elevator to accommodate Roosevelt's wheelchair. Its most critical mission was transporting Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference, where he met with Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin to discuss the post-war reorganization of Europe. This singular flight cemented the role of aviation in presidential mobility, underscoring the necessity for airborne security and strategic communication.
Evolution of Air Force One
Following Roosevelt, subsequent presidents embraced the utility of presidential aircraft. President Harry S. Truman formalized the Presidential Airlift Group and further developed the idea of a dedicated aircraft, leading to the creation of the Lockheed VC-121E Constellation, "Columbine II," for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The term "Air Force One" was coined during his tenure to avoid confusion with civilian aircraft sharing the same flight designation.
John F. Kennedy's Boeing 707-353B, known for its iconic blue and white livery designed by Raymond Loewy, set the stage for modern Air Force One. Its design projected strength and elegance, featuring the presidential seal and the words "United States of America" in bold, stately letters. Over decades, successive upgrades have transformed Air Force One into a mobile White House, equipped with cutting-edge technology and luxury befitting the leader of the free world.
Today’s Air Force One—two Boeing VC-25As—continues the legacy, serving as both a powerful emblem of the presidency and a critical tool for national security and diplomacy.
Introducing "The Sacred Cow" Commemorative Coin
"The Sacred Cow" Commemorative Coin by master artist and designer Anthony F. Giannini pays tribute to the inaugural flight of the first presidential aircraft. This extraordinary coin is part of the White House Gift Shop's exclusive "Firsts in Presidential Transportation Collection."
- Front Design: Features an intricate engraving of the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, "The Sacred Cow," soaring above a majestic American eagle, symbolizing strength and freedom. The dates "1945" and "Yalta Conference" highlight the historical significance of its first mission.
- Reverse Design: Showcases a portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, accompanied by the Presidential Airlift Group insignia, underscoring his role in initiating airborne presidential transport.
Each coin is edge-numbered, signifying its place in this limited-edition collection, and comes with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. It is housed in a velvet presentation case within a two-piece box adorned with the Presidential Seal, exuding timeless elegance.
Specifications:
- Pilot: Lieutenant Colonel Henry Tift "Hank" Myers
- Aircraft: Douglas C-54 Skymaster
- Mission: First Presidential Aircraft Flight, February 1945
This meticulously designed coin captures the spirit of innovation and the enduring legacy of the first Air Force One. Whether you are a collector of presidential memorabilia or a patriot with an appreciation for history, this piece stands as a testament to the evolution of presidential transportation and the timeless significance of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s wartime leadership.
Available exclusively from the White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946—your trusted source for original, trademark-protected presidential memorabilia.
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