TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A day for history in Southern Arizona. The first Air Force One, Columbine II, left Marana Airport on Monday and headed for Virginia.
The plane has been at Marana Airport since 2005, but it's story started in the 1950's with President Eisenhower.
Columbine II officially became "Air Force One" in 1953 when it almost collided with another plane, because both had the number 8610 on the tail. To avoid any confusion, the President's plane was then only referred to as "Air Force One."
The plane has gone through a year of mechanical repairs. The project manager says the rest of the repairs will be done in phases.
The repairs are estimated to take at least two years. Once restored, the plane will be traveling to various air shows all around the country.
