out a number of unnerving false alarms, Air Force One flew to Barksdale Air
Force Base in Louisiana. One of these alarms was of a reported threat against
Air Force One itself, a threat eventually run down to a misunderstood com-
munication in the hectic White House Situation Room that morning.
it. President Bush reluctantly acceded to this advice and, at about 10:10, Air
Force One changed course and began heading due west.The immediate objec-
tive was to find a safe location--not too far away--where the President could
land and speak to the American people.The Secret Service was also interested
in refueling the aircraft and paring down the size of the traveling party. The
President's military aide, an Air Force officer, quickly researched the options
and, sometime around 10:20, identified Barksdale Air Force Base as an appro-
priate interim destination.
consisted of a military police lead vehicle and a van; the proposed briefing the-
ater had no phones or electrical outlets. Staff scrambled to prepare another
room for the President's remarks, while the lead Secret Service agent reviewed
the security situation with superiors in Washington.The President completed
his statement, which for security reasons was taped and not broadcast live, and
the traveling party returned to Air Force One. The next destination was dis-
cussed: once again the Secret Service recommended against returning to Wash-
ington, and the Vice President agreed. Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska was
chosen because of its elaborate command and control facilities, and because it
could accommodate overnight lodging for 50 persons. The Secret Service
wanted a place where the President could spend several days, if necessary.