The Original “Air Force One” Is Baking in the Desert, But This Forgotten Piece of History May Soon Fly Again

The first Air Force One, left baking in the Arizona desert for over a decade, may soon have a new owner who’s willing and able to restore it.

A forgotten piece of American history is currently wasting away in the Arizona desert. Parked in a field at the Marana Regional Airport (AVW) near Tucson, the first Air Force One hasn’t taken to the skies since 2003.

The Lockheed VC-121 Constellation named “Columbine II” became the first official presidential aircraft under Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aircraft earned its famous call sign in December 1953 following an incident in which, operating as “Air Force 8610” with the president onboard, the aircraft was inadvertently directed into the same airspace over New York City as Eastern Airlines Flight 8610. The near-catastrophe prompted the FAA to grant the call sign “Air Force One” to any aircraft transporting the President of the United States.

Built in California in 1948, the aircraft was considered luxurious for its time. It was outfitted with marble floors, sleeping berths, an in-flight telephone and a mahogany desk. In 1954, Columbine II was replaced as the presidential by a new Constellation — “Columbine III” — and continued service with the U.S. Air Force until retired in 1968.

Columbine II was sold as surplus in 1970. Unaware of its history, new owner Mel Christler, who operated aerial crop-dusting business, used the aircraft as a source of spare parts. It wasn’t until 1980 that Christler learned the true significance of the aircraft.

In 1990, Christler and his partner, Harry Oliver, restored Columbine II to airworthy condition and flew it to Abilene, Kan. — the hometown of President Eisenhower — in honor of what would have been Eisenhower’s 100th birthday.

Today, the historic aircraft’s owner is seeking a permanent home for Columbine II. CNN reports that a handful of groups have expressed interest in restoring the aircraft. Mary Jean Eisenhower, the late president’s granddaughter, is part of a group actively trying to purchase the aircraft for the National Airline Museum in Kansas City. Dynamic Aviation has also expressed a strong interest in securing this piece of American history.

[Photo: TSgt. Ron Woods, USAF – U.S. Defense]