Former Pilot of SAM 26000 Major (Ret.) Lew Newhard

Former Pilot of SAM 26000 Major (Ret.) Lew Newhard spoke with us at the museum on Presidents Day Feb. 20, 2017. Check out the video to hear his experiences with the Boeing VC-137C SAM 26000. He flew this aircraft as Air Force Two.
Visit the link for more info on the Presidential Gallery: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visi...

[@cherifbar]

We are proud of you! Thank you for your service.

[@skrutinizr9372]

I have flown many times on board 26000 and even spent many a night alone with it, a locked hangar and some cameras... M16 and M9 in hand, counting rivets. He's so right about the sense of pride and ownership we had for these planes. The 747/VC-25's are impressive, but the history of the old fleet of 707/VC-137's was- at least in my mind- more impressive than the fancy technology we had on the new ones. I'm hoping to go visit all of them one more time before I die.

[@jjsisco6982]

Sir, I hope you are able to realize that wish. Thank you for your service.

[@johnfarr2738]

What was your job?

[@JFKennedyPresident]

Magnificent SAM, it will always remain the most beautiful Air Force One !!

[@neilmurray6943]

Thanks to Jacqueline's beautiful design. Timeless elegance.

[@daniellatimer1876]

I've seen it at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The 1961 Lincoln he was riding in is at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

[@Antonluisre]

I've seen one of these 707s in the Boeing museum.

[@wendellwilson7444]

To visit this aircraft is on my to-do list! My list is full of both accomplished, and not yet attempted to experience! SAM 26000 is now on top of my list. I wonder if Dayton Ohio ever shares possession of this craft with Pensacola Fl. If not, I'll be making a road trip, If its the last thing I cross off of my list! Thank you for sharing, and We thank you for your service!

[@lukehorning3404]

Thank you for your service 🫡

[@MrTitan225]

This 707 is an icon .... just as a classic 60's Cadillac is an icon so is the 2700 707 Jet

[@claytonrowe8103]

Excellent video! Thank you sir!

[@macrent2]

A beautiful cold war artifact! Thank you for sharing!

[@MrFrankturbo1]

Great interview !

[@lynnstabler8695]

I come to the Museum several times a year, This plane is one of my first stops, Even tho I have been in this plane many times I still get butterfies when I'm in it

[@USAFmuseum]

Same!!!

[@Elainerulesutube]

This is the same plane that took Lyndon Johnson on the 1st U.S. Presidential visit to Australia 1966

[@USAIRFORCE621]

With all due respect, for your service Major while there are only a few platforms still in existence that utilize the Engineer and Navigator positions but they actually do still exist, case in point the E-3 Sentry, the E-6B Mercury and the WC-130J "Weather Bird"!

[@jetfueljp4]

That sense of American pride is still alive for some of us and our attention to detail.

[@skuy00]

Why is one door a bit smaller?

[@steveholmes8257]

Proud volunteer galley door.

[@JFKennedyPresident]

On Oct. 10, 1962 The new device will 62-6000 (c / n 20630) or SAM26000. This is a Boeing 707 Intercontinental (707-320B), powered by JT3D-3B, improved version of the SAM970. It can use shorter runways, and has a range of 10500km, 3500 is more than SAM970. It has only one fault: its development is obsolete: the president has in effect a sequel to the rear of the unit, while the passengers in the front. This is the opposite of what is done on all jets, where the first class is at the front of the device, and eco rear class, but it is consistent with what was going on aircraft piston engines, where noise and vibration are concentrated in the wings, where the back is quieter. Whatever: The President Kennedy is proud as a kid of his new acquisition, and will use it as soon as possible. For outdoor decoration, JFK does not want USAF markings, and wants a "distinctive" look. The designer Raymond Loewy, a friend of Jackie Kennedy will create a schema based blue and white, while leaving the bottom of the device color polished aluminum. The top of the fuselage is white with the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" written in giant letters on the entire length of the fuselage. The presidential seal is affixed on each side of the unit between the front door and the cockpit.

[@kyledorsty906]

I would’ve guessed 27000 would’ve been the favorite

[@samanthamason9326]

This is John f. Kennedy’s plane also

[@poulerikmouritzen9155]

Æ

[@garryharriman7349]

It's a shame the aircraft did not take a detor when he flew Cheney before he reached his position of VP and drop him off in some remote area of the world