Nixon VC-137C SAM 26000

president richard nixon , first lady pat nixon disembark sam 26000 after landing in people s republic of china, 1972

upon inauguration of richard nixon in 1969, sam 26000 underwent repairs , upgrades. nixon , staff offered key role in redesigning of plane, position took up, , indeed, finished plane reflected new president s persona. interior of plane stripped nose tail; minor problems taken care of; upgrades made on flight management system; communications gear modified. richard nixon had interior of plane redesigned suit fancy. nixon did away open floor plan of johnson era , replaced three-room suite himself , family, serving combination of lounge, office, , bedrooms. accommodations guests, aides, security , media personnel located aft of 3 rooms.

although sam 27000 took on primary presidential aircraft in 1972, nixon s family preferred sam 26000 because interior configuration allowed greater privacy first family. nixon had name spirit of 76 applied nose of both vc-137cs. nixons flew on sam 26000 china in 1972, becoming first american president , first lady visit nation. sam 26000 used national security advisor henry kissinger during secret meetings french negotiate vietnam peace process. in december 1972, sam 27000 took on primary presidential plane.