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A F 1 in Orly

Two Boeing VC-25s at Orly: Presidential Airlift for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day

A rare and high-profile aviation deployment unfolded at Paris-Orly Airport in early June 2014. In support of U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to France for the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, two Boeing VC-25 aircraft — the aircraft known as Air Force One when the president is aboard — were stationed simultaneously on French soil, marking a significant moment in U.S. presidential travel logistics.

A Dual Aircraft Strategy for a High-Stakes Visit

The VC-25, a highly modified version of the Boeing 747-200B, serves as the flying White House. The U.S. Air Force operates two of them to ensure absolute continuity of operations during presidential missions. For the D-Day commemorations, both aircraft were deployed: one carried President Obama, while the second acted as a fully operational backup in case of technical issues or security concerns.

While the use of a second VC-25 isn’t routine, it’s part of standard U.S. presidential travel protocol for missions considered particularly sensitive or strategically important. Landing at Orly — instead of Charles de Gaulle or Le Bourget — allowed for greater operational flexibility and reduced congestion, while still providing easy access to central Paris.

A Silent Operation Under Tight Security

Both aircraft arrived at Orly on the evening of June 5, 2014, ahead of the next day’s ceremonies in Normandy. The arrival was conducted with minimal public exposure. Once on the ground, the aircraft were immediately secured in a restricted area of the airport, heavily guarded by joint U.S. and French security personnel.

The VC-25s were accompanied by a full array of logistical and security assets: Secret Service convoys, communications teams, military support staff, and additional aircraft, including helicopters and cargo planes. Ground operations were tightly choreographed in coordination with French civil aviation authorities, airport management, and the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

A Historic Event, a Presidential Response

On June 6, President Obama joined a host of world leaders — including French President François Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin — to commemorate the Allied landings of June 1944. The presence of surviving veterans added emotional depth to the event, which marked one of the final large-scale gatherings honoring the D-Day generation.

The dual VC-25 deployment was more than logistical foresight — it was a visible reminder of America’s enduring commitment to Europe, and of the gravity with which Washington approaches its role in historic commemorations.

Conclusion

The presence of two Boeing VC-25s at Orly in June 2014 was far more than a logistical maneuver — it was a powerful symbol of continuity, security, and respect. As President Obama honored the sacrifices of the Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy, the aircraft standing ready in Paris underscored America’s unwavering commitment to its allies and to preserving the memory of a turning point in world history. This rare double deployment showed how, even 70 years later, the lessons of D-Day continue to shape international partnerships and remind us of the price of freedom.

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