[FamiliarFace]

Is this done for every president in a re-election bid, or just this one?

[mnehring]

Just this one. I don’t recall prior presidents needing anything beyond AF1 (and typical support units which includes a transport for the limo, security, etc). It basically looks like Obama is multiplying the usual logistics by three.

[Jack Deth]

More for Dems than Republicans.

My old Reserve unit at Andrews, 756 ARW and its B Model C-141s were run ragged by Clinton & company during his re-election bid. Moving the Secret Service and many, many limos (2 per aircraft) across the US.

One day we went through 3 C-141s before getting a Banner Mission off the ground. Mostly due to last minute add ons and maintenance problems.

Great for budgeting. Lousy for the troops.

[Nip]

Until December 2011 Air Expeditionary Wings/Squadrons were ONLY used to support “Overseas Contingency Operations - aka the War on terror.”, This administrative procedure ensured correct accounting of flying hours, manhours and other levels of support and provided a clear line of command and control.

Prior to December 2011 airlift support for Presidential campaigns was taken out of local training accounts.

IMHO, the two newly formed squadrons, while officially under the 89th Wing (VIP support), will report to and be controlled by the Presidential Reelection Committee.

But maybe, in his function as Commander-in-Chief, Obama will directly command all of the missions. Thus adding to his impressive military resume.