One of the 146 photos released yesterday by the Department of Defense of the ill-fated Air Force One flyby of the Statue of Liberty. The mission caused mass panic resulting in thousands of New Yorkers running through the streets last April.
(NEWSCOM)Photos (1 of 1)
Air Force One flyover fiasco - private emails compare it to Three Stooges
By Jimmy Orr | 08.01.09
Appearing to want to string out this story as long as possible, the Air Force released more photos on Friday of the infamous Air Force One flyover of the Statue of Liberty that panicked thousands of New Yorkers in April.
Adding to the continuing public relations fiasco, emails written about the event (before and after) have been released as a result of Freedom of Information Act requests by many news outlets.
Had the photographs and emails been released months ago, it would no longer be a news story prompting some to wonder if those who orchestrated the ill-fated mission have also been in charge of the continuing handling of the event.
Regardless, the emails between those involved in the screw-up show that they knew just how big of a mistake the flight was. Unfortunately, that understanding was recognized after the fact.
Before
Before the event, Col. Scott Turner, commander of the Presidential Airlift Group, appeared to be optimistic about the flight even providing a cheerful weather forecast in an email to George Mulligan, the deputy director of the White House Military Office.
“So far we appear to be on track for our photo shoot around the Statue of Liberty on Monday,” he writes. “Wx looks like it will cooperate and the FAA has aligned ‘all the stars’ to protect the airspace for us.”
Just to be sure nothing could go wrong, Turner asks Mulligan, “Do you have any issues/reservations, whatsover?”
Not at all. Mulligan even asked for a souvenir of the flyby.
“Sec Caldera and I have no issues,” writes a confident-sounding Mulligan. “Wish I was flying with you (or at least on the ground to see it) . . . it’s going to be quite a sight. Score me a 8×10 glossy if you think of it when you get the pics back.”
A seemingly excited Turner responded, “You bet — Boeing has agreed to the cost of the prints; you can wallpaper your new office with 8×10s!”
You can say this for Mulligan, he shouldn’t have any problems scoring any photos with the release of 146 of them yesterday.
Unlike the jolly exchange between Mulligan and Turner, at least one person expressed concern about the mission. USAF Maj Gen Brian P. Meenan, wrote, “Odds could be remote but for your SA — NYC populace can be sensitive to airplanes that appear lower than normal or tracks not normally seen over the NYC area. Influenced by 9/11. Have seen one or two instances of civil aircraft cleared for visual arrivals that triggered inquiries to media and local officials concerning unusual flt activity from folks on the ground.”
Apparently his concern was dismissed, however, and the flight commenced that Monday morning.
After
Shortly after the flight, things got gloomy. One email provided a real-time assessment of how the public was reacting to the mission.
“Web site blog comments ‘furious’ at best. Twitter search reveals ‘tweets’ regarding two F-16’s chasing commercial airliner. Rate of 1 tweet per minute and growing,” it reads.
We had plenty of those blog comments. Like:
“We are hurtling toward a government of the stupid, by the stupid, for the stupid”. just another example.” and “Haven’t these DoD dimwits ever heard of PHOTOSHOP???” and “This just proves that you don’t need a “brain” to get a job in the Federal Government.”
No way out
Credit this same person, however, in realizing that there was no way out of it. “No positive spin is possible. Admit mistake,” the email reads.
As you recall, this advice was taken. Only hours after the event, Louis Caldera, the director of the White House Military Office, released a statement taking full responsibility for the fiasco. Less than two weeks later Caldera resigned.
Of course, the objective of the flyover — despite its result — was not to create panic as Turner explained in an email: “Again, my apologies sir. Real intent here was to honor NYC, not cause mass chaos,” he said.
Three Stooges
One Pentagon spokeswoman summed up the event appropriately: “Nothing like having everyone point the finger at someone else so we ALL look like a big bunch of buffoons … can you say Moe, Larry & Curly!??!?!”
You can read the full report here. Be cautioned, however, that the report is 553 pages and is 121mb (it takes awhile to download).
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3. pierce | 08.01.09
What, is it 1930 or something? Sure it’s fun to be grumpy and complain, but anyone who is actually afraid of airplanes flying overhead needs to have themselves evaluated.
4. daniel | 08.01.09
Umm, pierce, it’s not the flying overhead that has us concerned here in ny - that happens all the time. It’s that sinking feeling that a low-flying plane may be bound for a non-traditional landing.
5. rbentley | 08.01.09
If they would have announced this photo shoot they would have had a security problem. By using the “just jump up and do it” method, they avoided that expense.
The shots are pretty ****** though. The whole thing comes off as half-baked. Too bad.
6. bbmcrae | 08.01.09
Pierce, if you were here on 9/11, you’d have a different opinion, rather than your dismissive and clueless one. So, keep it to yourself, please.
7. Grayskull | 08.01.09
pierce, You insinuate you have no fear.
I surmise your a)fool b)in denial c) assine
8. INCREDIBLE JOE | 08.01.09
We dont have money for schools but we have millions to send a bounch of in a plane and another bounch to take pictures of them?
Great.. simply great… THANK YOU GOVERMENT
9. jfv2000 | 08.01.09
Pierce, you must not have been in NYC on 9/11. Or perhaps you’ve never seen a newly returned war veteran hit the deck when an unexpected car backfire or fire cracker goes off. When you are sensitized to a particular risk or life threat, it responds in an involuntary manner and your rational side may not have control over it. Tell me you wouldn’t have the tiniest urge to move back if a tiger at the zoo lunged at you from behind the bars. Many of the callers probably knew shortly after their initial response that things were OK, but they voiced their concerns to let the authorities know they don’t like being upset.
10. Grayskull | 08.01.09
pierce, your mentality is in line with the planning of the photo op.
I’ve witnessed the behaviors of dz’s of people after they recovered the bodies of TWA flight 800.For their sake and many others killed in flight accidents a assure you your a misguide fool.
That you would reason such a thought as being correct and proper is dangerous at best.
11. Kathleen | 08.01.09
pierce said, “…anyone who is actually afraid of airplanes flying overhead needs to have themselves evaluated.” The fact is, the planes flew in low–too low–exactly the same as planes did on 9/11. Another fact is, New Yorkers handled themselves quite well considering that many of them had lost loved ones on that day, or were lucky to get out. This time, they played it smart and got out of their buildings fast. One of my sons was working there on 9/11, right next door to the North Tower. When he and his co-workers went outside to take a look, they saw the second plane hit and ran for their lives. He still works right near Ground Zero and, when this idiotic fly-by was seen, a co-worker said, “I’ve seen this movie before. Let’s get the he– out of here.” They did. On a packed stairwell, one girl started to cry. My son yelled, “No crying on the stairwell!” Everyone laughed and kept on moving, helping each other out. Not one listened to cops who told them to stay inside as cops did on 9/11, to their regret. New Yorkers handled themselves extremely well (as usual) and have every right to be angry over this fiasco. Perhaps it’s pierce should consider evaluation.
12. old dog | 08.01.09
Anyone should be able to see how stupid this was.
Unfortunately, No one is immune. And a commercial interest is easy to see.
Boeing already has in its files pix of his plane from Mount Rushmore and other important landmarks. They just wanted one that did not have the Twin Towers.
I’m not sure if anyone in New York would have minded, had someone just bothered to tell them.
13. jfv2000 | 08.01.09
Rbently, my sister’s in the FAA in D.C. There is a standard procedure for this that was not followed and as a result, the authorities in NYC were not notified and hence, neither were building managers. It wouldn’t have prevented concern, but it would have prevented buildings from being evacuated and response systems from being overwhelmed. Furthermore, they could have announced in advance that the plane was going to be making a low pass, that the President would not be aboard and also not specified the exact time and date. Long story short, they weren’t thinking and screwed up six ways to Sunday.
15. Dman | 08.01.09
I just sent an email requesting a refund for the stolen American tax dollars. I encourage all to flood the whitehouse with e-mails requesting the same and that an investigation take place to apprehend the criminals. The fact is if one of us used tax payer money for something as stupid we would be faced with a jail sentance. Never mind the fact that 1 out 8 Americans are going hungry and no telling what $300K could feed!
16. Walt | 08.01.09
When POTUS actually visits NYC on Air Force One, people know about it ahead of time. In this case, however, POTUS wasn’t on the plane for this flyover so the talk of a security risk from advance notice is absurd on its face. There was no need for secrecy for this photo shoot.
17. Meg | 08.01.09
wow those are some terrible photos!! couldn’t they at least hire a decent photographer to do it right?
18. elptech | 08.01.09
This is not the 1st time Air Force one has had a photo op, it happens all the time. And it only cost $350,00 not millions get your facts before crying out. Yes, because of 9-11 New Yorkers are now afraid.
19. jfv2000 | 08.01.09
old dog, I see nothing in the article that says Boeing was behind this. Yes, they agreed that they would pick up the cost of the prints. But that has nothing to do with the who initiated this SNAFU. I am sure Boeing employees at all levels would have liked copies of the picture and Boeing probably hands them out freely to employees and non-employees alike - something about employee pride and public relations for the company. Write them and I am sure they will send you a picture if you desire. They have probably done that routinely when asked, afterall, the Government is probably their largest customer.
While I have no proof, I suspect that the pilots and personnel for AF-1 were getting regular practice hours in as they are required to do to maintain their flight status, especially since Obama had an upcoming trip overseas. Had they not decided to do a low fly-by, this would not have seen the light of day. But someone had the bright idea of making it a photo op for plane without thinking things through, plain and simple.
Let’s not try to make everything some sort of “Military-Industrial Complex” conspiracy.
20. Clement R Knorr | 08.01.09
Air Force One flyover…Cash for clunkers out of money after one week…All brought to by the same geniuses who want to run your healthcare!
21. Sharp Focus | 08.01.09
Anyone heard the expression “you’re making a mountain out of a mole hill?” And if this photo op is the most egregious waste of tax dollars in recent history, we should count ourselves fortunate.
22. Fraud Criminal Administration | 08.01.09
Just as Obama hides his LONG FORM birth certificate from public view, so has he also sealed off all his academic records copious amounts of information relating to his education, from public view.
So is he still refusing to tell the American people who was on board that day.
With Obama desperately hiding so much from the American people, the perpetual question now is “What is Obama Hiding and Why?”
The American people employ Obama, not the other way around. How many people bucking for a promotion like Obama would get away with refusing to provide their employer, in the case the taxpayer, basic information documents.
The responsibility to disclose and bar is even higher for someone aspiring to be president.
24. Bay Sailor | 08.01.09
This is a non-story and needs to be wrapped up. We have much more important things to wring our hands about than this AF 1 incident. And NYC, we used to think you were tough. You’re sounding like kids who don’t want to get over a boo-boo. Take a big breath and move on.
25. Bob | 08.01.09
Look, 9/11 was 10 years ago. Get over it, will ya? How long did it take for people in Hawaii to get over their fear of Japanese aircraft over Honolulu? How long did it take for people to see Germans and not think “Nazi?”
Probably not 10 years. New Yorkers are supposed to be the toughest people in the world. So get over it already, will ya?
26. David M | 08.01.09
Why do we tolerate this? I would like to see whoever made the decision to do this pay the taxpayers back with their salary.
That would be fair and help prevent future idiotic stunts like this.
27. Z | 08.01.09
ifv2000,
You are absolutely correct…this was a scheduled training flight for the pilots and crew. The stupidity entered when they added the photo op and decided to use NYC as the back drop. And you are correct also that Boeing had nothing to do with it other than being in the chase plane taking the pics…WHMO was the culprit. POTUS had no advance knowledge of the stunt either.
28. Dawn | 08.01.09
I would love to know who was on the plane. My guess it was Obama showing off. The silence about who was on board speaks volumes. The nerve of people telling New Yorkers to get over it. America was attacked on 9/11 as it has never been before. Countless innocent Americans lost their lives that day. WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
30. Jonathan | 08.01.09
Bob said “How long did it take for people in Hawaii to get over their fear of Japanese aircraft over Honolulu? How long did it take for people to see Germans and not think “Nazi?” Well, Bob, after December 7, 1941, no swarm of Japanese war planes flew over Honolulu, but I am sure if they had, there are many people who would’ve ducked for cover, even 10 years after. And the site of Nazi symbols continues to disturb Holocaust survivors. In fact, in the late 1970’s, there were court battles when a Neo-Nazi group wanted to stage a march in Skokie, Illinois, which at that time had many residents who were Holocaust survivors. Mark Twain once said “It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt.” It is good advice.
31. lili | 08.01.09
It was such a stupid thing to do but for the first time I feel sorry for them, this shows they meant well.
34. Bosco | 08.01.09
“Appearing to want to string out this story as long as possible, the Air Force released more photos …”
“George Mulligan, the deputy director of the White House Military Office.”
I don’t get it. Doesn’t the military answer to the civilians? If it does how can it be the AF’s fault? If, in this case, it doesn’t, then the AF fly off with AF1 for a photo shoot or other reason without their civilian masters permission? The most secure set of planes on the entire planet? Come on this doesn’t make sense. Who authorized the flight? Who authorized the release of ONE picture only? Who authorized the release of “all” the pictures at this time? Why did they want to “honor” NYC but not tell them beforehand look for the plane?
This wasn’t a photo op per se there has to be other reasons. One, the pictures aren’t well framed. Plane big, Statue of Liberty tiny, as few as there are. Fewer still the famous NYC skyline suffers similarly. Are there more pictures? Better ones? Read what you will into it but April 27 was the flyover, May 31st the big O and M jetted to NYC for dinner. It would be understandable if this was security prep somehow and hey we took some pics. Why not say so?
There is more to this then is let on.
37. salim vasani | 08.01.09
The photo op costed $400,000. Its not a huge amount in the context of government spending–but was the photo op essential at this time?
38. Mark | 08.01.09
You new yorkers are a whiny whiny bunch. Stop whining. If planes scare you, move to Iowa or Indianappolis. So long as you stay in NYC — a city with three airports — get used to seeing planes.
So shut up, stop whining, and stop blaming Pierce for pointing out your weaknesses. Put your panties back on, and man up.
Mark
39. Hazel | 08.02.09
Just shows the enemy how easy it would be to infiltrate us and do a world of damage before we could realize anything was happening. !! Wake up, America !!
40. Thinker | 08.02.09
The idea that this was an intel mission to NY is maybe the strangest idea I’ve ever heard. You fly intel missions to places you don’t own. We used to send P-38s over Germany, U-2s over the USSR, F-105s over Hanoi, and F-117s over Iraq. Get the picture. Those were intel flights this was a photo op.
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Jimmy Orr has worked in politics for the majority of his professional career working for two U.S. Senators, two Governors and one President. Most recently, Orr served as White House Spokesman and Internet Director for President George W. Bush and Special Advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger for Internet Communications.
David Cook is Washington bureau chief of The Christian Science Monitor and host of the Monitor's newsmaker breakfasts. He was the Monitor's editor from 1994 to 2001. Cook is a graduate of Principia College, served in the U.S. Army, was a Bagehot Fellow at Columbia University, and is a member of the Gridiron Club, Washington's oldest journalistic organization.
1. e t sansom | 08.01.09
how were the photos to be used and did it happen???
ny is recognizable in less than 5 percent of the images!
if they done more planning and just gone in and out, they may have saved their buts. making two loops was just asking for it!!!