Image of the Air Force wings with the museum name underneath

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Presidential Gallery Introduction

One of the most important missions of the United States Air Force is to provide fast, safe and reliable air transportation for the President of the United States and other high-ranking government officials. The U.S. Air Force has successfully fulfilled this critical airlift mission since 1945 by developing, operating and maintaining aircraft with increasing global reach capabilities.


Executive airlift missions, referred to as Special Air Missions (SAM), demonstrate America’s diplomatic, military and economic power to the world. The Air Force’s presidential aircraft reflect that power and are a prestigious symbol of the office of the presidency. Illustrating this special status, they are painted in a distinctive blue and white paint scheme and are marked with the Presidential Seal and the nation’s flag. When the president is on board, they become the most important aircraft in the world and adopt the call sign “Air Force One.” These iconic aircraft embody the foreign and domestic goals of the president, the government, and the citizens of the United States of America.

 

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