Andrews Air Force Base is called "The Gateway to the Nation's Capital." It is the home of Air Force One, and also provides transport for other dignitaries, both visiting and domestic. Kings and queens, Cabinet members and prime ministers, military leaders and members of Congress regularly arrive and depart from Andrews. Dignitaries from more than 50 nations have flown in and out of Andrews Air Force Base.

Aboard Air Force One

Actually, there are two aircraft that are known as "Air Force One." They are specially adapted Boeing 747-200Bs with tail numbers 28000 and 29000. Whichever plane the president is on--or even some other Air Force craft with the president aboard--is "Air Force One." Some of the things that differentiate these planes from other Boeing 747s are their advanced electronic and communications equipment, self-contained baggage loaders and the capability for refueling in the air.

The passenger space, of course, is also significantly different from the 747 that you or I might fly on to Vegas. The president's suite consists of a stateroom, dressing room, lavatory and shower and an office. Another room does double duty as a conference room and as the dining room for the first family. There are separate accommodations for guests, staff, Secret Service and security personnel, and the media. There are also medical supplies and equipment on board in case of emergencies.

Air Force One has a wingspan of 195 feet and can reach speeds of 700 miles per hour. It has a total capacity of 26 crew members and 76 passengers. With two galleys, they can all be fed at once--and you can bet the fare is more elaborate than a packet of pretzels!