Air Force Two: Discover the Plane of America’s Second-in-Command

4th April 2025

4 minutes read

Air Force Two: Discover the Plane of America's Second-in-Command

When the Vice President of the United States travels by air for official duties, the plane that carries them automatically assumes the call sign “Air Force Two,” reflecting its special role as the dedicated transport for the second highest office in the country.

Unlike the famous “Air Force One,” surrounded by an aura of mystery and reverence, the designation “Air Force Two” does not correspond to a specific model of aircraft. Instead, it is used for any plane carrying the Vice President, whether it’s a helicopter or a jet. This distinction highlights the nature of the office itself, which combines both strategic importance and operational flexibility, according to Business Insider.

From Beginnings to Modern Evolution: A Historic Journey

The first official international flight for a U.S. Vice President aboard a jet occurred in 1959 when Richard Nixon, Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, visited the Soviet Union on a sensitive diplomatic mission.

Nixon used the “Boeing VC-137A Stratoliner” at the time, which later became part of the presidential fleet.

The Vice President’s Plane “Air Force Two”

Over time, the specifications of aircraft designated for Vice Presidents have evolved, with a major shift occurring in the 1970s when the “DC-9” was adopted as the official transport beginning with Vice President Nelson Rockefeller in 1975.

This plane featured luxurious interior design, including a VIP cabin for meetings and seating for 32 first-class passengers accompanying the delegation. The “DC-9” was used for three decades before being replaced in 2005 with the “C-32,” a military-modified version of the “Boeing 757-200,” equipped with advanced communication systems and rest areas.

Strict Protocols and Marks of Respect

U.S. security procedures ensure that the President and Vice President never travel on the same plane to avoid any potential risks that could affect the continuity of government in case of a disaster.

As the New York Times details, this restriction requires the Vice President to rely on “Air Force Two” even on joint flights with the President, with each having a separate plane.

On the other hand, U.S. military traditions show an interesting distinction in how they handle the Vice President: While soldiers are required to salute the President as Commander-in-Chief, saluting the Vice President is optional and reflects personal respect more than formal obligation. However, the Associated Press notes that military personnel usually do salute the Vice President as a sign of respect for the office.

Space for Work and Human Touches

Over time, “Air Force Two” has become a mobile office reflecting the personality of its occupant. During Vice President Al Gore’s tenure under President Bill Clinton (1993-2001), the walls were decorated with family photos and a special clock showing both Washington, D.C. time and the destination time, reflecting Gore’s focus on global issues like climate change.

Joe Biden, Vice President under Barack Obama, preferred hanging a world map in his office to track his travels, which exceeded one million miles during his tenure. The plane’s use was not limited to official matters; in 2017, staff members of Vice President Mike Pence celebrated his birthday during a flight with balloons and decorations, while in 2021, Kamala Harris celebrated the birthday of one of her advisors by distributing cake and singing together.

Technological Advantages and Services for the Press

“Air Force Two” is no less equipped than its presidential counterpart in terms of technological features. The modern plane includes a communications center capable of handling emergency situations, as well as a bedroom with a fold-out bed. At the rear of the plane, space is allocated for 32 accompanying journalists, with comfortable business-class seating and televisions for news broadcasts.

These flights often provide opportunities for informal discussions between the Vice President and journalists, known as “in-flight chats,” where political issues can be discussed in a less formal atmosphere.

Unforgettable Stories

The plane has witnessed unusual events, such as when Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris‘ husband, used it during a 2021 flight to Las Vegas to fill out brackets for the “March Madness” college basketball tournament, blending official duty with personal interest. The cabin has also occasionally transformed into a platform for creative work; Al Gore wrote his presidential campaign acceptance speech in 2000 while flying, benefiting from the relative peace of being away from the pressures of the ground.

Air Force Two: Symbolism Beyond Metal

The importance of “Air Force Two” extends beyond being just a means of transport; it reflects the American philosophy of distributing power and ensuring government continuity. Its design, evolving from primitive planes to sophisticated machines, tells the story of the evolution of American diplomacy itself.

With each flight, it balances the weight of responsibility with the warmth of human details, portraying the Vice President not only as an official but as a public figure moving between the political and human worlds.