Page "Ronald Reagan Presidential Library" Paragraph 13

A exhibit hangar serves as the setting for the permanent display of the Boeing 707 aircraft utilized as Air Force One during Reagan's administration.

The aircraft, SAM 27000, was also used by six other presidents in its active service life from 1973 – 2001, including Richard Nixon during his second term, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H. W.

Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush.

In 1990, it became a backup aircraft after the Boeing 747s entered into service and was retired in 2001.

The aircraft was flown to San Bernardino International Airport in September 2001, where it was presented to the Reagan Foundation.

In what was known as Operation Homeward Bound, Boeing, the plane's manufacturer, disassembled the plane and transported it to the library in pieces.

After the construction of the foundation of the pavilion itself, the plane was reassembled and restored to museum quality, as well as raised onto pedestals above ground.

The pavilion was dedicated on October 24, 2005, by Nancy Reagan, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.