First Air Force One

Home
United States
Bridgewater, VA
First Air Force One

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Preserving The Past. Inspiring The Future. Columbine II is a Lockheed Constellation that served as the first Air Force One aircraft under President Eisenhower.

Since 2006, this aircraft has been sitting derelict in Marana, AZ awaiting a new home in museum or some place where she can be appreciated. She now has a home! in 2015 Dynamic Aviation of Bridgewater, VA purchased the aircraft and plan to restore her to her original beauty.

10/26/2026

We want to preserve the look and character of Columbine II as much as possible. That means restoring original equipment even when it won't be functional when the aircraft returns to the air.

The navigation and radio equipment is being cleaned up, reworked, and restored so it can go back where it originally belonged. It's another part of making sure Columbine II reflects the aircraft that was once in service.

10/22/2026

By the late 1950s, aviation was changing at a remarkable pace.

Jets were transforming air travel, helicopters were becoming practical, and the Space Race was pushing the United States into a new era of aerospace exploration. In 1958, Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating NASA.

He had spent decades watching aviation evolve. Now, during his presidency, he was watching it reach far beyond the skies he had known.

Read more at https://www.firstairforceone.org/stories-of-air-force-one/eisenhower-and-the-start-of-the-space-age

10/16/2026

Every gift helps bring Columbine II one step closer to flying again.

From repairing original components to replacing materials that have worn out over the years, there’s a lot that goes into completing this restoration. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated and helped make this work possible.

Want to help us get Columbine II back in the air? Visit our website to learn more about the restoration and make a gift: https://www.firstairforceone.org/donate

10/14/2026

Dwight Eisenhower was born on this day 126 years ago.

On his 100th birthday in 1990, Columbine II flew over Abilene, Kansas, where Eisenhower grew up and where his legacy is preserved today at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Nearly four decades after carrying him during his presidency, Columbine II was back over the town that played such an important role in his story.

We hope to see Columbine II flying over Abilene again someday.

10/08/2026

What did Dwight D. Eisenhower do when he wasn’t running the country? He picked up a paintbrush.

Painting was one of Eisenhower’s favorite ways to spend his free time. He took up the hobby later in life and kept at it for years, often working from photographs or scenes around him. For Eisenhower, it was a chance to step away from the demands of his work and focus on something entirely different.

He painted more than 250 works throughout his lifetime, including landscapes, still lifes, and portraits.

Even a five-star general and president needed a hobby.

10/05/2026

A presidential flight involved a whole crew working behind the scenes.

On Columbine II, the navigator, radio operator, and flight engineers each had their own station and responsibilities. The layout of the aircraft gives us a glimpse into how they all worked together.

Which station would you want to see up close?

10/02/2026

Do you know why the primer on these Columbine II parts is green?

That green coating is a layer of primer applied during the restoration process. It helps protect the metal from corrosion while the parts are being prepared for their final finish.

Learn more about our restoration at https://www.firstairforceone.org/news

09/29/2026

A pretty big moment in the restoration of Columbine II.

The nose cone has been off the aircraft for quite some time, and now it’s getting a fresh coat of paint and getting ready to go back where it belongs.

Seeing it painted and one step closer to being back on the aircraft makes this one especially exciting.

09/27/2026

Meet Fred, one of the volunteers helping bring Columbine II back to life.

We’re incredibly grateful for Fred and all of the volunteers who give their time, skills, and enthusiasm to this restoration. It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to bring a project like this back to life, and we couldn’t do it without them.

If you are looking to get involved or support, please visit our website and reach out at https://www.firstairforceone.org/donate

09/25/2026

Columbine II was among the most advanced piston-engine aircraft of her time.

Powered by four Wright R-3350 engines producing roughly 2,500 horsepower each, she had about 10,000 horsepower at her disposal and could reach speeds of more than 330 mph.

For an aircraft carrying the president across the country and around the world, that was an impressive combination of power and performance.

Address

1402 Airport Road
Bridgewater, VA
22812

Telephone

(540) 828-6070

Website

https://www.firstairforceone.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when First Air Force One posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to First Air Force One:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Bridgewater?