Journalists Warned Against Taking Souvenirs from Air Force One
Following an inventory check on Air Force One after President Joe Biden’s visit to the US west coast in February, it was discovered that several items had gone missing from its press section. Among the vanished items are branded pillowcases, glasses, and gold-rimmed plates.
The White House Correspondents’ Association has issued a warning against such actions, emphasizing that taking items from the plane is strictly prohibited. Last month, the association sent an email to reporters stressing that such behavior reflects poorly on the press pool, urging it to cease immediately.
While journalists are occasionally given small packages of M&M chocolates adorned with the presidential seal as souvenirs, the unauthorized removal of items with an Air Force One logo, including cutlery and towels, has reportedly been a common occurrence for years.
Some journalists, like Misha Komadovsky from the Voice of America, have admitted to accumulating a “subtle” collection of items from their trips aboard the president’s plane.
Air Force One, often referred to as the president’s “office in the sky,” boasts impressive facilities spread over its three levels, including an extensive suite for the president, a medical station with an operating table, and a conference and dining room. It also has two food preparation galleys capable of feeding 100 people simultaneously, along with designated areas for the press, VIPs, security personnel, and secretarial staff.
Equipped with advanced avionics and defenses, the aircraft is classified as a military aircraft designed to withstand air attacks. It can also refuel mid-air, enabling it to fly indefinitely in emergencies.
Furthermore, Air Force One is outfitted with secure communications equipment, allowing it to function as a mobile command center, boasting 85 onboard telephones, a variety of two-way radios, and computer connections.
While the president occupies the front section of the aircraft, journalists are stationed towards the rear.