Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mahatmakanejeeves

(68,634 posts)
Thu Jan 29, 2026, 09:49 AM 17 hrs ago

Special Air Mission 847, from Fairbanks AK, has landed at Joint Base Andrews.

SAM 847, https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=ae115d

It's a 737. It took off at 3:11 a.m. Alaska time and arrived at 9:40 a.m. EST.

It is parked at the DV ramp.

AI Overview

The Distinguished Visitor (DV) ramp at Joint Base Andrews (KADW) is a high-security flight line area, specifically managed by Transient Alert to support dignitaries, heads of state, and VIP arrivals, with West Ramp rows 2-4 often closed during DV movements on row 5. The area is heavily regulated, often serving as the primary location for Air Force One and other special mission aircraft.

Key Details regarding the DV Ramp/Area:

Location & Operations: The Transient Alert team handles aircraft in this area, which requires meticulous attention to detail (e.g., cleanliness, security).

Restrictions: FlightAware (KADW remarks) and VFRMAP note that West ramp rows 2, 3, and 4 are closed when DV movement aircraft are present on row 5.
Air Show/Events: During specialized events like the Air & Space Expo, the ramp opens for DVs and DOD ID card holders.

Access: Access to the flight line/ramp is strictly controlled, typically requiring authorized military identification or special clearance.

For specific, non-emergency logistical or arrival information, contact the Joint Base Andrews 316th Wing command post or the 89th Airlift Wing, which manages specialized transportation.
10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Special Air Mission 847, from Fairbanks AK, has landed at Joint Base Andrews. (Original Post) mahatmakanejeeves 17 hrs ago OP
Why would you post this here? n/t Jacson6 17 hrs ago #1
Some people pay attention to this stuff. NT mahatmakanejeeves 17 hrs ago #3
And...? Fiendish Thingy 17 hrs ago #2
Replacing Noem with Palin? TommyT139 16 hrs ago #4
LOL leftstreet 16 hrs ago #6
Who's on it? Clouds Passing 16 hrs ago #5
Putin? Rebl2 16 hrs ago #8
Actually, that was my first thought Clouds Passing 16 hrs ago #9
It's a C-40B, a modded 737 owned by the USAF and used for high level Gov't officials who would be at risk The Polack MSgt 16 hrs ago #7
Thanks. I have no idea who's on it, but it's not an everyday event. NT mahatmakanejeeves 16 hrs ago #10

The Polack MSgt

(13,739 posts)
7. It's a C-40B, a modded 737 owned by the USAF and used for high level Gov't officials who would be at risk
Thu Jan 29, 2026, 10:23 AM
16 hrs ago

Last edited Thu Jan 29, 2026, 11:06 AM - Edit history (3)

- travelling comerciallly.

We have a few at the base where I work

Unless someone on that bird is of special interest (Putin or Xi for example), the fact that a VIP flew in from Alaska and parked at the VIP ramp at the base tasked to support special government travel is routine.

The 86th Air Wing at Andrews manages the 747 based VC-25As that serve as Air Force 1 when the President is on board, as well as other special transport planes includinng the C-40B.

Just for extra credit, HMX-1, the USMC Squadron that manages the president's helicopters is based at Quantico, not Andrews

Edited to correct:
I called the AF 1 birds VC-20As, they're VC-25 As. The 20As were leased Gulfstream IIIs that General and Flag officers use, which used to be on the base where I work.
Not sure what replaced the 20s

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Special Air Mission 847, ...