VC-137C Air Force One (Kennedy)

I photographed the Boeing VC-137C (SAM 26000) in the President’s gallery at the National Museum of the USAF.

Like VC-137B (SAM 970) before it, this was the specially adapted version of the Boeing 707 to transport Pres. John F. Kennedy. It was this plane that ushered in the call sign “Air Force One” when the president was aboard. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy helped design the distinctive colors and the markings serve as a highly visible symbol of American prestige. After Kennedy’s death, SAM 26000 was used by Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton.


VC-137C Air Force One

NMoUSAF 2018