Sachin Walls
The President of the United States travels with an entourage that includes the Vice President, other public figures designated by the White House, and a Secret Service team. The Secret Service is responsible for the President's security at the airport, in the motorcade, and at their destination. An advance team comprised of representatives from the Office of the Military Assistant to the President, the US Secret Service, the White House Staff, and a Presidential Advance Agent visits the airport several days before the President's arrival to determine security aspects and decide on the use of the airport. During the President's visit, no passengers, tug drivers, or baggage handlers are allowed on the AOA, and all aircraft and ground movements are halted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Air Force One |
| Advance team | White House staff, Air Force personnel, and the Secret Service |
| Security | Guards stationed in the tower cab or at the tower entrance, two-way communication between the control tower and agents on the ground |
| Restrictions | Restrictions on normal air traffic operations, no passengers, tug drivers, or baggage handlers allowed on the AOA while the President is at the airport |
| Parking | Secure parking spot determined by the Air Force, may be different from where the President is officially welcomed |
| Coordination | Advance coordination must be documented, including routes, radio frequencies, and assigned transponder codes |
| Equipment | Local equipment such as air-stairs or buses provided by the host airport, equipment and vehicles for the President's visit arrive in advance on cargo planes (C-17s) |
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What You'll Learn
Screening procedures at airports
The Secret Service, in particular, plays a crucial role in airport security. They are responsible for the security of the President not only at the airport but also during their entire motorcade journey and at their final destination. This involves coordinating with airport operations staff and ensuring that all individuals in the welcoming party are cleared and escorted by the Secret Service to be near the President's aircraft.
In addition to the Secret Service, an advance group, consisting of representatives from various organizations, also plays a vital role in airport screening procedures. This group includes the Office of the Military Assistant to the President, the U.S. Secret Service, the White House Staff, and a Presidential Advance Agent. They visit the airport several days in advance to evaluate security aspects and determine the necessary restrictions to air traffic operations during the President's arrival, departure, and their entire stay at the airport.
Air traffic personnel are guided by the decisions made by this advance group and must cooperate fully. The Air Traffic Manager (ATM) plays a critical role in this process, employing air traffic control techniques to adjust or suspend regular traffic movement to accommodate the President's aircraft and entourage. This may include placing restrictions on normal air traffic operations and communicating any delays to other aircraft in the vicinity.
The hosting airport also has specific responsibilities to ensure a smooth and secure visit. They must be prepared to clear hangar space to accommodate the President's equipment and provide personnel to escort agents to restricted areas. The airport personnel must also remain flexible and be able to endure the high level of scrutiny that comes with hosting a Presidential visit.
While the screening procedures for a President are extensive and involve multiple layers of security, the general public also plays a role in airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) encourages the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or persons attempting to access restricted areas. These procedures are designed to adapt to evolving threats and ensure the highest levels of transportation security for all passengers.
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Security measures for presidential aircraft
The President of the United States has a variety of transport options, including cars, trains, helicopters, boats, and aircraft. The aircraft used to transport the president is known as Air Force One, which is the callsign of certain aircraft when the president is on board. This is usually a VC-25, a Boeing 747 which has been converted for presidential use.
Several days before the arrival and departure of the presidential aircraft, an advance group comprising representatives from the Office of the Military Assistant to the President, the US Secret Service, the White House Staff, and a Presidential Advance Agent will meet with airport staff to determine security aspects and the availability of supporting services. The group will also decide on the use of the airport and coordinate further security measures.
Security provisions for the presidential aircraft may include stationing a guard in the tower cab or at the tower entrance and maintaining two-way communication between the control tower and agents on the ground. Air traffic personnel must cooperate with the advance group's determinations and may employ air traffic control techniques to adjust or suspend the movement of traffic to accommodate the arrival and departure of the presidential aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel must not release any information concerning presidential flights to anyone outside the FAA, except to authorized White House staff members, Secret Service personnel, or military authorities. Any inquiries from the press or others regarding the movement of the presidential aircraft must be referred to the White House, the Secret Service, the Air Force, or their representatives.
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The role of the Secret Service
The United States Secret Service, one of the nation's oldest federal investigative law enforcement agencies, was founded in 1865 as a branch of the US Treasury Department. The Secret Service has a wide range of responsibilities, including investigating financial crimes such as counterfeiting, credit card fraud, and identity fraud. However, one of its primary roles is to provide protection for the President of the United States and their family, including adult children when they travel.
When the President travels, the Secret Service works closely with various entities to ensure the President's safety. An advance team of Secret Service agents collaborates with the host city, state and local law enforcement, and public safety officials to implement security measures. They also coordinate with the Department of Defense (DoD), the Coast Guard, and other agencies for additional support. The Secret Service is authorized to protect the President, Vice President, their families, and other individuals in the line of succession to the Office of the President.
In terms of presidential travel, the Secret Service is involved in every aspect, from airport security to transportation. Before the President's arrival at an airport, the Secret Service, along with other agencies, conducts a thorough evaluation of the facility to determine security aspects and necessary restrictions to air traffic operations. This includes measures such as stationing guards and maintaining constant communication between the control tower and ground agents.
The Secret Service operates the President's motorcade and is responsible for the presidential state car, known as Cadillac One or The Beast. They also operate the presidential aircraft, often referred to as Air Force One, although this is a callsign rather than a specific aircraft. The Secret Service ensures the safety of the President and their family during travel, incurring significant costs for temporary duty, transportation, and security measures.
The Secret Service plays a critical role in safeguarding the President and their family, both domestically and internationally. Their presence ensures the implementation of security measures, coordination with various entities, and the protection of the President and their entourage during travel.
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Airport preparations for a presidential visit
Preparing for a presidential visit at an airport requires a lot of planning and coordination. An advance survey group, consisting of representatives from the Office of the Military Assistant to the President, the US Secret Service, the White House Staff, and a Presidential Advance Agent, will visit the airport several days before the trip. They will meet with the airport operator, the air traffic manager (ATM), and other relevant parties to assess security aspects and the availability of supporting services. Based on their evaluation, they decide on the use of the airport and plan further coordination.
The advance group will also meet with airport personnel to finalise security measures, supporting services, and restrictions to air traffic operations before and during the presidential visit. This includes measures such as stationing a guard in the tower cab or maintaining two-way communication between the control tower and ground agents. All coordination must be documented, with attention to routes, radio frequencies, and transponder codes, and shared with personnel on duty during the visit.
Air traffic personnel must cooperate with the advance group's determinations. The ATM plays a crucial role in ensuring the presidential flight and entourage are given priority. This may involve employing air traffic control techniques to adjust or suspend regular traffic movement temporarily. Restrictions on normal air traffic operations are implemented to ensure the presidential aircraft and entourage receive priority unless directed otherwise by the Domestic Events Network (DEN) Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC).
On the day of the visit, a Secret Service agent is positioned on the ramp, which is cleared and closed to all except the presidential entourage. The airport shuts down 5-10 minutes before the President's arrival, and airspace is closed. The arrival process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours, after which the presidential motorcade departs the airport. Air Force One, the presidential aircraft, parks on the ramp or in a designated hangar. Normal airport operations can resume, but a safety space must be maintained around Air Force One.
Flexibility and a goal-oriented approach are key to managing a presidential visit smoothly. Airports must be prepared for last-minute changes and adjustments, especially regarding the President's schedule and departure time.
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Historical modes of presidential transport
The president's access to reliable transportation is essential during their time in office. Over the years, presidential transportation has evolved from horses and carriages to modern jet airliners and helicopters. Here is a detailed look at the historical modes of presidential transport:
The Early Years: In the early days of the presidency, George Washington relied on well-bred horses as his primary mode of transportation. It wasn't until the 19th century that steamboats and trains became popular for presidential travel.
The Automobile Era: With the advent of the automobile in the early 20th century, the Secret Service began using sleek, black limousines to transport the president. President William McKinley was the first serving president to ride in a car, briefly riding in a Stanley Motor Carriage Company steam car in 1901. Franklin D. Roosevelt also contributed to the evolution of presidential transport. In 1936, he bought a Ford V8 Phaeton coupe and had it equipped with hand controls. He also became the first president to use an armoured vehicle in 1941.
The Age of Air Travel: The first sitting president to fly in an aircraft was Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1943, he flew on the Dixie Clipper flying boat to the Casablanca conference. This historic voyage led to the development of specialised presidential aircraft during World War II, such as the VC-54C Sacred Cow. The success of these aircraft paved the way for modern presidential air travel.
Modern Times: Today, the main aircraft flown by the U.S. President are specialised jet airliners and helicopters. The most famous presidential aircraft is "Air Force One," which is the callsign given to any aircraft carrying the president. Additionally, the president travels in a fleet of limousines known as Cadillac One or "The Beast," operated by the Secret Service.
The evolution of presidential transportation reflects the changing technological landscape and the increasing need for security and efficiency in presidential travel. From horses to helicopters, each mode of transport has played a role in ensuring the president's safe and effective movement.
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Frequently asked questions
No. The president of the United States is not screened at the airport. An advance group, comprised of representatives from the Office of the Military Assistant to the President, the U.S. Secret Service, the White House Staff, and a Presidential Advance Agent, visits the airport several days before the president's arrival to determine security aspects and the availability of supporting services.
The president's advance team consists of three groups: White House staff, Air Force personnel, and the Secret Service. Each group has its own responsibilities, which may or may not overlap with the other teams.
The White House team plans the arrival event and the entire visit, including who will greet the president's aircraft and whom the president will meet at various events. The Air Force team ensures the safety and security of the aircraft while in flight, during landing and takeoff, and while parked at the airport. The Secret Service team is responsible for security at the airport, in the motorcade, and at the president's destinations.
Security provisions may include stationing a guard in the tower cab or at the tower entrance and maintaining two-way communications between the control tower and agents on the ground. No passengers, tug drivers, or baggage handlers are allowed on the AOA while the president is at the airport, meaning no planes, tugs, or cars are permitted to move during that time.
