Summer 2001

89th Airlift Wing

The 89th Airlift Wing provides safe and reliable worldwide airlift and logistical support for the President of the United States, the Vice President, Cabinet members and other high-ranking U.S. and foreign government officials. In addition, the 89th is the host wing of Andrews AFB and provides quality customer service to the men and women of Team Andrews.

The wing traces its roots to October 1, 1948, when the 1254th Air Transport Wing was established at Washington National Airport. However, special mission or VIP flying began even earlier. The first truly "special mission" aircraft were specifically designated to transport high-ranking government officials in 1936 with the activation of the 1st and 2nd Staff Squadrons at Bolling AFB, D.C.

In 1961, the 1254th Air Transport Wing was moved from Washington National Airport to Andrews AFB where it was later discontinued in January 1966. In its place, the 89th Military Airlift Wing Special Missions was activated and assigned to Andrews AFB until the wing became a group on Sept. 30, 1977. In December 1980, the unit was once again redesignated the 89 MAW. On July 12, 1991, the 89 MAW merged with the 1776th Air Base Wing to become the 89th Airlift Wing. The airlift wing is an Air Mobility Command asset directly assigned to 21st Air Force, headquartered at McGuire AFB, N.J.

The 89th Airlift Wing is truly a diverse wing and in recognition of its quality efforts, has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award more than a dozen times.

Aircraft Inventory

The early Special Missions Fleet consisted of aircraft such as the C-47, C-54 (including FDR's Sacred Crow), C-118 (including President Truman's Independence), and C-121 (including President Eisenhower's Columbine II and Columbine III).

Today, the 89th Airlift Wing aircraft inventory consists of a fleet of some of the most modern technologically advanced aircraft in the world. These include a fleet of four C-32s (Boeing 757s), two C-37s (Gulfstream Vs), which entered service in1998, and one C-137.

Other aircraft in the wing include three C-9s (Douglas DC-9s), five C-20s (Gulfstream IIIs), two C-20s (Gulfstream IVs), and 19 UH-1N helicopters.

Understandably, the most notable aircraft in the inventory is the VC-25, known by its call sign "Air Force One" whenever the President is aboard. The Presidential Pilots Office operates and maintains two VC-25s, with tail numbers 28000 and 29000. These aircraft are specially equipped to meet the president's needs. Accommodations include an executive suite consisting of a stateroom and office, and a conference/dining room. Both aircraft have secure global communications and inflight refueling capabilities. The aircraft also have a compartment outfitted with medical equipment and supplies for medical emergencies.

89th Communications Group

Approximately 560 men and women operate and maintain communications and computer systems for Andrews AFB, worldwide Special Air Missions, and other agencies in the National Capital Region. Its units include the 789th Communications Squadron and the 89th Communications Squadron.

The 789th Communications Squadron provides command, control, communications and computer systems support to customers in the National Capital Region and worldwide, including the President, foreign dignitaries and high-ranking military and civilian officials. Systems include the Presidential communications network for Air Force One and the Special Air Missions fleet; a USAF Global High Frequency station for command and control of nuclear, airlift, and reconnaissance forces; a Telecommunications gateway; and the Net Control Station for the Information and elecommunications System of the American Air Forces which serves the USAF Chief of Staff and his counterparts in 18 countries.

The Brandywine and Davidsonville, Md., receiver and transmitter sites, respectively, are included in its operations. The Brandywine site is a dedicated high frequency receiver site and ultrahigh frequency ground entry point for Air Force Satellite Communications, and rebroadcasts emergency action messages for the National Military Command Center. Davidsonville is a dedicated high frequency transmitter site. Together, they provide communications support to 89th Communications Group customers via worldwide radio networks.

The 789th Communications Squadron also operates and maintains all audio and visual equipment associated with the HQ USAF Conference Center in direct support to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and other Department of Defense agencies. Its personnel also deploy, install, maintain and activate the Simultaneous Interpretation System in support of the System of Cooperation Among the American Air Forces.

The 89th Communications Squadron provides vital command, control, communications, computer, graphics/visual and information systems support to the 89th Airlift Wing and tenant units on Andrews AFB. The squadron delivers high quality, on-base communications services such as telephone maintenance and switchboard operations; land mobile radios; public address systems; local area network support; communications plans, requirements, and implementation; Base Information Transfer Center; administrative communication and records management; printing and reproduction graphics; software services; telecommunications center; television and intrusion detecting systems; communications and computer security; and meteorological and navigational systems support at the three military installations in the National Capital Region and Camp David.

89th Logistics Group

The 89th Logistics Group encompasses all off flightline maintenance, supply, transportation and contracting functions. Its units include the 89th Aircraft Generation Squadron, which will be decommissioned July 31, 89th Logistics Support Squadron, 89th Transportation Squadron, 89th Contracting Squadron and 89th Supply Squadron. As a result of a recently announced competitive sourcing study, the group is in the process of transitioning from a federal maintenance and supply workforce o a civilian contractor, DynCorp Technical Services, Inc. Due to the magnitude of the transition, the conversion is incrementally scheduled over a one-year period, frm April 2001, til April 2002.

The 89th Aircraft Generation Squadron provides on-equipment maintenance for Special Air Mission aircraft used for worldwide airlift for the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, and other high-ranking dignitaries of the United States and foreign governments. It is a selectively manned unit.

The 89th Logistics Support Squadron develops, coordinates, and implements maintenance and supply policies for all distinguished visitor airlifters. They provide logistics analysis and assessments to wing and higher headquarters, as well as develop and instruct aircraft maintenance qualification courses. It is a selectively manned unit.

The 89th Transportation Squadron provides vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance, and traffic management supporting airlift for all special air mission operations at Andrews. They furnish executive driver service required by the Air Force Foreign Liaison Division for distinguished guests, and deploy a force capable of providing transportation services worldwide.

The 89th Contracting Squadron provides high quality contract support for the 89th Airlift Wing, 459th Airlift Wing (AFRES), and tenant units. They plan and manage construction, services and commodities contracts valued in excess of $100,000,000 annually as well as provide worldwide contingency contracting support.

The 89th Supply Squadron supports the 89th and 459th Airlift Wings and federal agencies in Washington, D.C. They manage an independent stock record account to support the wings high-priority airlift requirements, as well as refuel 91 different types of base-assigned, transient, and foreign aircraft.

89th Medical Group

One of five Air Force medical centers, Malcolm Grow Medical Center is tasked not only with the continuous delivery of the highest quality patient care, but also with a vital medical training mission for the Air Force Medical Service.

The center, the largest Air Force medical facility on the East coast, operates a 70-bed, multi-specialty hospital and dental facility on Andrews and is home to an aeromedical staging facility and physiological training facility. The medical center (Bldg. 1050) is located on the west side of the base just off Perimeter Road.

Many members of the medical group have teaching appointments at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Services. Malcolm Grow is one of the hospitals where medical students from USUHS and the Health Professions Scholarship Program receive some of their training.

The Directorate of Medical Education coordinates and supervises graduate training programs for physicians (Transitional Year, Family Practice and Psychiatry residencies), dentists (Advanced Education in General Dentistry), dietitians, clinical psychologists, medical laboratory officers, orthopedic physician assistants and a nursing internship. Clerkships are also provided for medical students enrolled at USUHS and HPSP members. Enlisted training programs include Phase II and Clinical Phase training for laboratory, cardiopulmonary, radiology and surgical technicians.

Phase II clinical training is also provided to officer candidates in the Physician Assistant training program.

Malcolm Grow is linked by a vast aeromedical evacuation system to many other treatment facilities for which it is the referral center. The patients are military people and family members representing all the military services from places around the world, as well as in the Washington area.

Every aeromedical evacuation flight departing from or arriving at Andrews begins or ends with the 89th Aeromedical Staging Flight.

The ASF, which receives patients from throughout the world, and is located in a 37-bed facility adjacent to MGMC. There, en route patients have the opportunity to rest before continuing their journey.

Operating as a transient medical treatment facility, the ASF checks the condition of each patient to ensure transfer will not endanger their health. The patients are prepared for the flight, their medical data is completed and they are transported to the flightline.

The unit is responsible for coordinating the airlift and delivery requirements of patients in the Washington, D.C., area. Personnel provide support to more than 20,000 patients annually. Flight personnel maintain a close liaison between medical facilities and the aeromedical airlift system. They also handle baggage, coordinate patient movement to other medical facilities, ensure ground support is available and obtain any special medical equipment.

A variety of aircraft are used to provide aeromedical airlift, but the C-9 Nightingale and C-141 Starlifter maintain the central role. The C-9 is used to distribute patients throughout the CONUS, while the C-141 is used to transport patients to and from overseas locations. Squadron personnel coordinate support activities for all transient aeromedical aircraft and their crews. They serve as ramp officers, supervising the safe on and off-load of patients.

The staging squadron also briefs the nurses and technicians aboard the medical evacuation aircraft about diet, medication and care ordered for patients by their physician during their flight.

In the past, the unit has supported humanitarian and contingency airlift missions dealing with Afghanistan, Bosnia, Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM, Somalia and Haiti.

The Physiological Training Flight is located next to Malcolm Grow Medical Center, in Building 1045 on the corner of Perimeter and Boston Roads.

Military aircrew members receive original, operational support and refresher physiological training. Civilians receive training on a space-available basis through an agreement with the FAA. Executive training is conducted for members of Congress, general officers and senior executive service civilians. Students report for training at 7:30 a.m. Duty hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule training, call commercial (301) 857-4654 or DSN 857-4654.

89th Operations Group

The men and women of the operations group support the unique Special Air Missions. The group's SAM squadrons -- the 1st Airlift Squadron flying the C-137 and C-32, the 99th Airlift Squadron flying C-9s, C-20s and C-37s -- transport thousands of civilians and military dignitaries each year. Primary passengers include the Vice President, First Lady, members of Congress, Cabinet members, foreign heads of state, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other high level government and military officials. The distinctive blue and white aircraft of the 89th Operations Group represent a unique aspect of Air Mobility Command's mission of "global reach." Together the fixed-wing SAM squadrons have amassed an impressive record of over 730,000 accident-free flying hours. Above all, the operations group remains totally committed to providing its customers unparalleled safety, comfort and reliability.

Executing the critical flying mission of the operations group requires special personnel. These professionals are selectively assigned and must meet stringent requirements for consideration. Pilots require 2,000 flying hours and must be qualified as an instructor pilot to be considered for selection. Navigators must also be highly qualified with worldwide experience and at least 2,000 flying hours. The skilled flight engineers, flight mechanics and communications system operators in the operations group have an average of 14 years experience. In addition to being skilled chefs, in-flight passenger service specialists must be experts in emergency procedures and customs regulations. Maintenance personnel must also meet rigid experience and skill requirements.

The 1st Helicopter Squadron joined the wing July 1, 1976 and flies UH-1N rotary-wing aircraft to conduct high priority airlift and emergency medical evacuation missions in the Washington area. The unit also supports the National Search and Rescue Plan. The squadron continues to add to its impressive 190,000 accident-free flying hours as of October 1997.

The 89th Aerial Port Squadron provides aerial port services for all passengers and aircraft transiting Andrews AFB. Its responsibilities for processing, manifesting, loading and off-loading passengers, baggage and air cargo make it the busiest aerial port in the Air Force.

The squadron provides aerial port services for unit deployments from the 89 AW, 459 AW, 231st Combat Communications Squadron, and U.S. Army units from Fort Belvoir, Va., and Fort Meade, Md. The unit also processes passports and visas for all local aircrews, civilian personnel and deploying mobility personnel assigned to Air Mobility Command.

The 89th Operations Support Squadron was activated on July 12, 1991 to provide mission support intelligence, weather, airfield operations, training and flight management. Its current operations flight provides command and control for SAM aircraft.

Presidential Airlift Group

The Presidential Airlift Group, commanded by the Presidential Pilot, provides "First Class" airlift support to the President of the United States around the globe. The group's two squadrons are responsible for flying and maintaining the VC-25A and C-20C. The group has flown 115,000 passengers for 2.3 million miles of accident free flying over the past 50 years. In addition to the President, the unit has transported many foreign heads of state and dignitaries

The Presidential Airlift Squadron represents the epitome of airmanship. Selectively assigned, PAS aircrew members are, for the most part, chosen from the Air Force's most experienced aviators. Selection to the PAS is based upon a demonstrated superior performance history while flying a variety of aircraft. Pilots, navigators and flight engineers maintain currency in two of the five aircraft utilized for Presidential travel: VC-25A, C-137C, C-32A, C-9C and C-20C. They are entrusted with all mission planning and worldwide safe operation of the aircraft. Communications Systems Operators manage numerous aircraft communication networks and endeavor to provide the same level of communications the President receives at the White House. Flight Attendants are responsible for the safety of occupants in an emergency and ensuring the comfort of the President and passengers, including the planning and preparation of gourmet meals.

The Presidential Logistics Squadron is responsible for the care and maintenance of the world's most recognizable aircraft - "Air Force One". They ensure the VC-25A, C-137C, C-32 and C-20C are readily available to transport the President to any location in the world with an unmatched 100% departure reliability rate. The PLS impeccably details each Presidential aircraft inside and out to guarantee the safety and reliability of the Presidential aircraft, and provide a stately symbol which honorably fulfills its role representing the United States of America throughout the world. The elite members of the PLS maintenance cadre are selectively assigned from logistics units throughout the Air Force.

89th Support Group

The 89th Support Group provides all base services and community support to the 89th Airlift Wing and its presidential/executive mission as well as providing services and support to the Air Mobility Command and tenant units assigned to Andrews. The 89th Support Group includes the Civil Engineer, Mission Support, Security Forces and Services Squadrons.

The 89th Civil Engineer Squadron maintains all base operational facilities, airfield and flightline areas, housing, utility infrastructure, pavements, grass, trees and water ways. All housing assignments and housing repair are conducted on a daily basis with assistance from contract operations. They also handle the design and construction of new facilities and the design and renovations to existing facilities. Quality of life is preserved by providing fire protection and environmental management services.

The 89th Mission Support Squadron provides military and civilian personnel management, educational services and family support to more than 55,000 personnel, dependents and retirees in the National Capital Region. The mission support squadron also supports the Air National Guard Readiness Center, the DC National Guard, the 113th Wing, the 459th Airlift Wing and in addition, operates the Donald L. Harlow Airman Leadership School and the SAM FOX Airman Orientation Center, a newly implemented, two-week course for all first-duty-station airmen.

The 89th Security Forces Squadron is one of the largest squadrons in the 89th Airlift Wing and the third largest security forces squadron in the Air Force. Its 400 plus members provide law enforcement, aircraft security, visitor control and personnel/industrial security for the 26,000 military and civilian personnel assigned to the base. The unit provides security at home station and abroad for 89 AW aircraft, including Air Force One. The 89 SFS also has the largest K-9 section in the states and provides 24-hour-a-day presidential support. Its members are prepared to deploy Air Base Defense teams in support of War Mobilization Plans and the Air Force's Global Reach mission.

The 89th Services Squadron provides food, lodging, fitness, recreation and a variety of activities and programs to enhance physical fitness, family well-being, quality of life and esprit de corps for thousands of assigned personnel, their families and visitors each year. The services squadron operates seven restaurants, three golf courses, two child development centers and two fitness centers.