Air Force One's crew faced uncertainty as 9/11 unfolded in the air
Wanda Joell, first Black flight attendant on Air Force One, recalls the plane's scramble on 9/11.
Wanda Joell was Deputy Flight Attendant aboard Air Force One on September 11, 2001, prepping for what should have been an easy two-hour flight back to Washington from Florida. The plane climbed to an unusual altitude of around 45,000 feet to access secure airspace after news of the attacks reached the crew.
Staff watched TV screens in shocked silence as the morning shifted from calm to solemn. Some crew members had loved ones in New York City with no way to reach them.
The plane could have stayed airborne for hours or days if needed, since Air Force One can refuel mid-air. President Bush, despite being advised against it, was determined to return to the nation's capital.
Joell, who served four decades under four presidents, had the chance to embrace him in the hallway as events unfolded.
- September 11, 2001
- Date
- Deputy Flight Attendant
- Role
- 45,000 feet
- Altitude
Why it mattersA personal account from inside the presidential plane during America's worst attack reveals how even the most secure flight faced uncertainty.
AustraliaThis historical retrospective is trending in Australia as a remembered moment in global history on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
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