Inside Air Force One During 9/11

Summary

The video details the dramatic events of September 11, 2001, as President George W. Bush navigated the unfolding attacks while aboard Air Force One. Starting with his initial visit to a school in Florida, the narrative follows Bush’s journey as news of the hijackings and strikes on the World Trade Center and Pentagon unfold. The video explores the confusion, tense decisions, and safety measures taken on Air Force One, with the President’s location and security constantly in flux. It also delves into controversial orders and communication challenges, revealing the nation's response to a historic crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 At 8:32 AM on September 11, 2001, President Bush departs the Colony Beach Resort in Florida, heading to an event promoting an education program.
• 😀 The first major event of the day occurs at 8:46 AM, when American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, marking the beginning of a national crisis.
• 😀 By 8:49 AM, CNN and other major news outlets begin extensive coverage of the crash, as news spreads quickly, drawing global attention to New York City.
• 😀 At 9:03 AM, a second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, crashes into the South Tower, confirming that the first crash was no accident, and the U.S. is under attack.
• 😀 President Bush remains unaware of the second attack until informed by White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove, marking a key moment in the unfolding crisis.
• 😀 After learning of the Pentagon attack at 9:43 AM, Air Force One is cleared for takeoff, and President Bush is kept informed as additional hijacked planes, like Flight 93, threaten further attacks.
• 😀 At 10:03 AM, Flight 93 crashes in Pennsylvania, after passengers revolt against the hijackers, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, likely Washington D.C.
• 😀 There is significant debate about whether President Bush should return to Washington D.C. amidst ongoing threats, with security advising against it for safety reasons.
• 😀 Vice President Cheney controversially authorized the possible shootdown of a hijacked plane, despite not having the authority to do so as per military chain of command.
• 😀 After multiple flights and tense security measures, including communications issues, President Bush finally returns to Washington, D.C., after spending time at secure locations like Barksdale Air Force Base and Offutt Air Force Base.

Q & A

What was the initial purpose of President Bush's visit to the school in Florida?

President Bush's visit to the school in Florida was meant to promote a new education program, which at the time was considered a low-priority event.

At what time did the first plane, Flight 11, crash into the World Trade Center?

Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at 8:46 AM.

How did the news of the attacks spread, and how quickly did media outlets respond?

The news spread rapidly, with multiple media outlets like CNN, CNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox News covering the event within minutes. By 8:49 AM, CNN had paused their programming to cover the crash.

What was the initial assumption about the crashes before more information became available?

Initially, the crashes were thought to be tragic accidents, and speculation about possible causes was circulating.

How did President Bush learn about the second plane crash, and what was his reaction?

President Bush learned about the second crash when White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove informed him just before he entered the school event. The message was that 'a second plane hit the second tower,' and he was told that 'America is under attack.'

What actions were taken regarding Air Force One's flight after the Pentagon was struck?

After the Pentagon was struck at 9:43 AM, Air Force One was prepared for takeoff, but there were security concerns, such as a possible weapon near the runway. The plane took off with heightened security and was also directed to climb steeply for protection.

How did Flight 93's passengers contribute to the safety of others during the attacks?

Flight 93's passengers, upon learning of the attacks, attempted to overpower the hijackers. Although they did not succeed in taking control of the plane, they prevented it from reaching its intended target, likely saving many lives.

Why was there a debate about where President Bush should fly, and what decision was made?

There was debate about whether President Bush should return to Washington, D.C., due to ongoing threats. The Secret Service recommended against it, and instead, Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana was chosen as a safe location for refueling and regrouping.

What was the controversial decision made by Vice President Cheney, and why was it questioned?

Vice President Cheney authorized the potential shooting down of a commercial plane that was heading towards Washington, D.C. This decision was controversial because Cheney was not part of the military chain of command, and it was unclear whether the order was within his authority.

What security measures were taken to protect Air Force One during the flights?

Air Force One was equipped with flares and smoke screens for protection against missiles, and it flew at an extremely high altitude to avoid detection. Fighter jets eventually joined the plane for an escort, and the Secret Service stationed agents on board to protect against potential threats.