Comments on: CRS Offers Prez Helo Options

By: Dave Althaus

Dave Althaus — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:54:57 +0000

With all due respect to those who think a small fleet of these helos will do the job, or that privatising the fleet will solve the problem, I think they have not given adequate thought to the security and communications functions these aircraft perform. These birds are essential components of our national security structure. They require greater than normal attention to maintenance than similar aircraft used for less critical missions, which means more hanger time, more rebuild time and more test time…which in turn translates into a need for more aircraft in the fleet.

In addition, these choppers do not self-deploy. That means if the President has three stops planned in three different cities, a separate set of birds may be required for each of the stops depending upon the schedule. At each stop, maintenance and testing must occur before the craft is certified to carry the President.

These aircraft must be perfect all the time, every time. Zero defects is the only standard. The Marines have been performing this mission since the Eisenhower administration. They know what they are doing. Let them perform their misson and give them the equipment they require to do it.

Semper Fi,
Dave

By: Rambo

Rambo — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:59:53 +0000

Yo! The V22 is the best choice for the Presidential fleet. Like me, the current fleet is old worn out, and “expendable”.

By: mike

mike — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:25:15 +0000

In response to Col Corrigan, Sir I’m probably just a one time mud grunt who doesn’t really know anything but in comparable usage to tonnage between Air Force One and Marine One as well as specific mission needs and security concerns the issue of the number of rotor craft becomes minor. Air Force One travel with a minimum of two C5A’s and there is always another VC-20 on stand by. The only time that doesn’t happen is in extreme circumstances. Marine One in comparison is cheap.

By: nnn

nnn — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:47:54 +0000

It’s yhe stimulus we have been promised

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:39:19 +0000

I know spinmasters love to bash Pelosi, and I don’t like her, but she is required to take USAF jets as she is #3 in the chain-of-command and terrorists might attack her.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:36:42 +0000

This article from Jan. agrees with the Col.s
http://www.sandersresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1394&Itemid=98

We don’t need 21, 8 VH-60s should be enough. And three Air Force Ones?

By: JPL

JPL — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:28:42 +0000

ditto, I’m for “privatizing” this perk, among others — we’re a bloated empire, wheezing in luxury we can no longer afford… the Chinese are patiently waiting for us, snickering if not outright laughing at our decline

By: Rob Corrigan, COL USA Ret

Rob Corrigan, COL USA Ret — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:57:43 +0000

Could someone please explain to me the need for 23 “presidential” helicopters? It seems that three would offer more than adequate redundancy and four would be overkill. Is it a COG thing? Thanks.

By: jimbo

jimbo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:38:59 +0000

ya pelosi uses the airforce as her personal airlines..

By: Joel Reese, LTC,TSG,Ret

Joel Reese, LTC,TSG,Ret — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:41:30 +0000

I agree with Colonel Phillips. Obama has really enjoyed his new toys and has certainly
used them for trips to town hall meetings and a date. If a civilian form of transportation with proper security can be found then those should be used. Remember how Pelozi keeps our guys on standby for her trips to California with her family and friends and then cancels at the last minute. These perks are expensive and our guys are really needed elsewhere.

By: Charles Phillips, LtCol USAF Ret

Charles Phillips, LtCol USAF Ret — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:58:05 +0000

Another option — delete entire program and send the military folks back to military duties. Lease commercial helicopters in rare events President wants to ride in one. Send sack lunch.