An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
HomeMediaNews

Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

News


 

Marine One Stands by the ready

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station --  Although the President's visit to Buffalo NY on May 13, 2010, was only about three hours long the preparation takes far longer. Landing days in advance at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Marine One prepares for the Presidential visit. While the President makes his visits Marine One is by the ready in case of emergency or other contingency. Though the President typically travels on Air Force One, Marine One can and is often used for short trips. Marine One is sometimes the preferred alternative to motorcades, which can be expensive and logistically difficult. The controlled environment of a helicopter adds greatly to the Presidents safety as well. As a security measure, Marine One always flies in groups with identical helicopters, sometimes as many as five. One helicopter carries the president, while the others serve as decoys. Upon take-off these helicopters shift in formation regularly to keep the location of the President secure. To add to the security of Marine One, every member of the team is required to pass an intensive background check before touching any of the helicopters used for presidential travel. Marine One is always transported wherever the president travels, within the U.S. as well as overseas.