Biden takes maiden flight on new ‘Marine One’ helicopter in Chicago

CHICAGO — President Joe Biden on Monday took his first flight aboard the modern VH-92A helicopter that serves as Marine One after years of delays to the program to replace the aging aircraft that carry the president and vice president.

Biden boarded the Sikorsky-made helicopter after arriving on Air Force One in Chicago where he is speak Monday evening at the Democratic National Convention. The maiden presidential voyage carried him from O’Hare International Airport to the parking lot of Chicago’s Soldier Field, often used as a landing zone for presidential travel.

It marked a crucial milestone in a two-decade-long process to replace the Vietnam-era helicopters that have been in use carrying presidents, in some cases, since the 1970s.

An initial effort to purchase new helicopters was kicked off by the Bush administration in an effort to improve communications and mission capabilities in the post-September 11, 2001 environment, but it was scrapped by President Barack Obama after rampant cost overruns.

The new program was started by the Obama administration, and the helicopter, branded the “Patriot” by its manufacturer, made its public debut during the Trump administration. But issues with the secure communications system on board — required so that the president can carry out classified conversations and make military decisions in an emergency — as well as a tendency to scorch the White House South Lawn led to years of delays to the program.

The Marine Corps reported last year that the communications issues had been resolved, but it was not clear whether modifications to the exhaust system have eliminated the threat to the White House grass.

Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which operates the aircraft, has been using the VH-92 helicopters for several years in regular service, including test flights around Washington, D.C. and to carry White House staff and security personnel. The final VH-92A helicopter was delivered earlier this month, giving the USMC 21 operational aircraft and two for testing. The total program cost for the 23 aircraft was about $5 billion.

The new helicopters are based on the commercially-available Sikorsky S-92 and are larger and have longer range than the older VH-3D and VH-60N models.

After more than a year of planning, Chicago is at the center of the political spotlight this week as host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Day 2 Recap:

Barack and Michelle Obama close DNC’s second night with ‘fired up’ speeches

Illinois plays starring role on second night of DNC

DNC Day 2: Celebrities, political leaders and more shine

‘Hostage Square Chicago’ pop-up unveiled Tuesday near DNC

Young volunteers play key role in event

Running group brings Jewish and Palestinian Americans together during DNC

Protestors clash with police amid rally outside Israeli Consulate on day 2 of DNC

Inside Secret Service’s DNC Communications Center

Second layer of security fencing added outside United Center for Day 2 of DNC

Photos: Celebs spotted at the DNC

The convention runs through Thursday. Chicago has hosted Democrats 12 times, the last being nearly 30 years ago when President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second term.

WGN Cover Story: Why Chicago has hosted more presidential conventions than any other city.

• Security Zones & Protest Plans: What we know

• Expected speakers this week

• Chicago2024.com | Chicago’s DNC Website

• DemConvention.com | Democratic Convention Official Website

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.