Special Air Missions: A Path to the 21st Century
Abstract
Providing worldwide airlift for the most senior United States government and military leaders has been the primary mission of numerous organizations spanning each of the military services. These leaders have relied on these aircraft as flying offices while abroad, allowing them to engage wherever US national interests lie. Over the years, this fleet has grown and developed on an ad hoc basis. The primary fleet, owned and operated by the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, has the primary mission of airlifting the President, Vice President, and other national and international leaders. Because these aircraft were often unavailable for senior military members from the sister services, the Army and Navy each established a detachment of business jet type aircraft to fill their own needs. Additionally, the various Commanders-in-Chief of the unified and specified commands have a variety of aircraft at their disposal to oversee operations in their specific areas of responsibility. Thus, Chapter one serves as the introduction to current SAM operations, outlining each of the units, their primary customers, and their aircraft. However, due to the shrinking defense budgets and mounting costs to operate and maintain these aging and unique fleets, now is the time to plan for the next century. Therefore, Chapter two develops the SAM fleet to meet the 21st century needs. First, a foundation is established by linking the fleet to the National Security Strategy. Adding to this foundation, joint doctrine provides the basis for consolidating the CONUS-based SAM units into one organization under the umbrella of the US Transportation Command. The result of this consolidation would be a simplified command and control structure, reduced support manning, and the opportunity to reduce the number and types of airframes in the inventory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA398449
Entities
People
- James E. Miner
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College