Marine One

My husband was in D.C. for work reasons yesterday, minding his own business while walking down the street. Suddenly, he heard thump, thump, thump. He turned to see Marine One rising over a building. It was so close that he could see the pilot's sunglasses.

What's so exciting about Marine One? Marine One is the call sign for any Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President. Specifically, it is most often the President's helicopter. So, in honor of my hubby's sighting, here's a little Marine One randomness:

1. A Marine Corps aircraft carrying the Vice President is called "Marine Two."

2. A Marine Corps aircraft carrying the President's family is called "Marine One Foxtrot."

3. For security reasons, Marine One always flies in a group of up to five identical helicopters. One carries the President. The others act as decoys. Right after taking off, they begin shifting in formation to hide the position of the President. This is sometimes referred to as the "Presidential shell game."

Semper Fidelis!