GAO

United States General Accounting Office

Report to Congressional Requesters

August 2000 PRESIDENTIAL 

TRAVEL

DOD Airlift Cost for 

White House Foreign 

Travel

GAO/NSIAD-00-209

Page 1 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Contents

Letter 3

Appendixes Appendix I: Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White House

Foreign Travel 10

Appendix II: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the

President’s Foreign Trips in 1997 23

Appendix III: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the

President’s Foreign Trips in 1998 27

Appendix IV: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the

President’s Foreign Trips in 1999 32

Appendix V: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the

President’s Foreign Trips in 2000 39

Appendix VI: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the

Vice President’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through

March 31, 2000 41

Appendix VII: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for First

Lady’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through March 31, 2000 44

Appendix VIII:DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for Other

White House-Directed Foreign Trips, 1997 Through

March 31, 2000 48

Appendix IX: Comments From the White House 50

Appendix X: Comments From the Department of Defense 51

Abbreviations

DOD Department of Defense
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United States General Accounting Office

Washington, D.C. 20548

National Security and

International Affairs Division

B-285668 Letr

August 4, 2000

The Honorable Larry E. Craig

The Honorable Jeff Sessions

The Honorable Craig Thomas

The Honorable John Warner

The Honorable Jon Kyl

The Honorable James Inhofe

United States Senate

As you requested, we are providing information on the Department of 

Defense (DOD) costs for fixed-wing cargo airlift, passenger airlift, and 

aerial refueling for foreign trips by the President, Vice President, and First 

Lady and for White House-directed trips1

 from January 1997 through March 

2000. This report is a follow-up to our September 1999 report, Presidential 

Travel: Costs and Accounting for the President’s 1998 Trips to Africa, Chile, 

and China (GAO/NSIAD-99-164). The 1999 report shows that DOD costs— 

particularly those for fixed-wing cargo airlift, passenger airlift, and aerial 

refueling—accounted for most of the costs for the three presidential trips 

addressed in the report.

Foreign travel by the President, Vice President, First Lady, and other White 

House-directed travelers requires DOD airlift. Trips by the President 

sometimes may also require air refueling support. The Air Force’s Air 

Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, the air component of 

the U.S. Transportation Command with which it is collocated, provides 

both passenger and cargo airlift for White House travel and air refueling 

when necessary. The Air Force’s 89th Airlift Wing (located at Andrews Air 

Force Base, Maryland), a unit under operational command of Air Mobility 

Command, provides worldwide passenger airlift for the President, Vice 

President, First Lady, and others traveling at the direction of the President. 

The Air Mobility Command assigns aircraft used for cargo airlift and air 

refueling from various air wings. Cargo airlifted could include vehicles and 

communications equipment, helicopters, and maintenance support 

personnel and equipment.

1

Other White House-directed travelers could include members of the President’s cabinet, 

special envoys, or other dignitaries traveling at the request of the President. 
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A variety of aircraft are used in support of any given White House foreign 

trip. The number of aircraft used for each trip also varies. For example, 

passenger aircraft may include the VC-25, C-137, C-32, C-9, C-37, or C-20. 

Cargo and air refueling aircraft may include the C-5, C-141, C-17, C-130, 

KC-135, and the KC-10. More information about these aircraft is contained 

in appendix I.

Results in Brief On the basis of the best available data, we estimate that DOD spent at least 

$292 million to provide fixed-wing airlift and air refueling support for 159 

White House foreign trips from January 1, 1997, through March 31, 2000. 

These costs are somewhat understated because DOD could not provide 

historical data on some aerial refueling missions and could not assure us 

that its information systems had captured complete mission data for some 

of the trips. These limitations are discussed in our scope and methodology 

section. We excluded from our analysis in-country aircraft support costs 

provided by military theater commanders because these mission records 

were not readily available. Air Force officials indicated the cost of this 

support was likely to be minimal relative to the total DOD airlift cost. We 

also did not include costs of other federal agencies’ support for any of these 

trips, costs for some White House-directed trips that were classified, or 

costs of other aircraft used for the security of the President.

The President’s 27 trips accounted for 85 percent of the total aircraft 

support cost, the Vice President’s 8 trips accounted for 4 percent, the First 

Lady’s 20 trips accounted for 4 percent, and the other 104 trips directed by 

the President accounted for the remaining 7 percent. Table 1 shows the 

estimated airlift and air refueling costs as well as the number of trips2

 taken 

by the President, Vice President, First Lady, and other White Housedirected travelers.

2

A single trip may encompass visits to multiple countries or cities.
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Table 1: DOD’s Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for White House Foreign Trips, by Year

Source: White House Military Office, 89th Airlift Wing, U.S. Transportation Command, and Office of 

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

More detailed information on the type of aircraft used; the primary mission 

of the aircraft; the flight hours, hourly rate, the total number of missions by 

type of aircraft used; and cost information for each trip of the President, 

Vice President, and First Lady from January 1,1997, through March 31, 

2000, are contained in appendixes II through VII. Summary cost 

information for the same period for other White House-directed travelers is 

contained in appendix VIII.

Scope and 

Methodology

We examined DOD’s fixed-wing costs for airlift and air refueling for the 

President, Vice President, First Lady, and other White House-directed 

foreign missions from January 1, 1997, through March 31, 2000. For this 

review, we defined missions as including one or more flight segments, such 

as a round trip flight to a foreign destination and a return flight to the home 

base. A mission may include multiple flight segments. However, the 

number of missions does not necessarily reflect the number of aircraft used 

because a given aircraft might have flown more than one mission. 

Dollars in millions

Calendar year President

Vice

President First Lady

Other White

House-directed Total

1997 Trips 7 4 8 37 56

Cost $42.3 $7.0 $4.3 $8.8 $62.4

1998 Trips 7 2 5 35 49

Cost $91.4 $3.2 $2.7 $5.0 $102.3

1999 Trips 11 2 7 27 47

Cost $62.6 $2.3 $5.1 $5.2 $75.2

2000 (3 months) Trips 2 0 0 5 7

Cost $50.6 0 0 $1.9 $52.5

Total Trips 27 8 20 104 159

Cost $246.9 $12.5 $12.1 $20.9 $292.4
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To determine the exact dates, itineraries, and purposes of the President’s 

foreign trips during the review period, we relied on Presidential Visits 

Abroad,3

 prepared by the Special Projects Division, Office of the Historian, 

Bureau of Public Affairs, Department of State. Each trip listing contained a 

quick summary of the highlights of each visit, which we have included in 

appendixes II through V. To determine exact dates and itineraries for 

foreign trips of the Vice President, First Lady, or other White House 

travelers, we relied on the flight records provided to us by the 89th Airlift 

Wing, White House Military Office, and U.S. Transportation Command.

To determine the missions flown, flying hours, and type of aircraft used for 

passenger airlift for support of trips for the entire period, we used mission 

records from the 89th Airlift Wing. For January 1, 1997, through 

December 31, 1998, we used 89th Airlift Wing records from our previous 

assignment. These records were provided to us directly from the 89th 

Airlift Wing. For the later period, from January 1, 1999, through March 31, 

2000, the White House Military Office provided us through the White House 

Counsel’s Office with 89th Airlift Wing data. 

To determine the missions flown, flying hours, and type of aircraft DOD 

used for cargo airlift in support of these trips, we interviewed Air Force and 

Transportation Command officials and obtained flight records. The 

Transportation Command maintained records for White House cargo airlift 

missions back to January 1, 1997. For 1998, 1999, and 2000 presidential 

trips, the Transportation Command provided us current data from its 

Tanker Airlift Control Center records. However, for the President’s trips 

during fiscal year 1997 and for the Vice President’s and the First Lady’s trips 

for the entire period, Transportation Command officials needed to search 

their historical data for applicable missions, since the Command maintains 

only the 2 most recent fiscal years in its working database. We worked 

extensively with Transportation Command officials to reconcile 1998 and 

1999 data from the historical database with the current data provided by 

the Tanker Airlift Control Center. Through this process, Command officials 

were able to refine the historical database to provide the most accurate and 

complete information possible for the period we reviewed. Despite their 

efforts to gather and refine the historical data for us, Transportation 

Command officials still could not assure us that every mission relating to 

each trip was included in their data.

3

http://:www.state.gov/www/about_state/history/prestravels.html.
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To determine the missions flown, flying hours, and the type of aircraft used 

by DOD for air refueling, we interviewed Air Force and U.S. Transportation 

Command officials and obtained flight records. The Transportation 

Command was unable to provide aerial refueling records for presidential 

missions prior to October 1, 1997, because it did not separate these 

refueling missions from other refueling missions. Thus, our schedules do 

not include any aerial refueling costs prior to this date for presidential trips 

in 1997. For the same reason, the Transportation Command could not 

provide refueling data for any nonpresidential White House missions 

during the entire review period. However, DOD officials told us that aerial 

refueling is rarely used for nonpresidential trips. 

Because DOD does not maintain a centralized database for White House 

travel costs, we had to calculate these costs using data from different 

sources. We combined aircraft, mission, and flight time data from both 

Transportation Command and 89th Airlift Wing records, manually matching 

the President’s, Vice President’s, and First Lady’s trips by date and itinerary. 

We also included data for advance trips made by White House teams for 

planning, site selection, or equipment setup in preparation for subsequent 

White House foreign visits. All of the other White House-directed travel 

data came from 89th Airlift Wing records, so no manual matching was 

necessary for this category.

Once we had gathered and organized the flying hour data by trip and 

traveler, we multiplied flying hours by standard DOD cost reimbursement 

rates per flying hour to obtain total trip costs. The standard DOD rates 

include fuel costs, depot maintenance and repair costs, base operating 

costs, and temporary duty travel, but exclude personnel costs. Flying hour 

rates for the fixed-wing aircraft used by the 89th Airlift Wing—except for 

the President’s aircraft, the VC-25—were published by the Office of the 

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). Flying hour rates for cargo and 

air refueling aircraft were provided by the Transportation Command. 

Reimbursement rates differ for refueling aircraft, such as the KC-10 and 

KC-135, when they are used in an airlift role or in a purely refueling role. 

The reimbursement rate for refueling only is considerably lower than that 

for airlift because, according to Air Force officials, some costs elements, 

such as depot costs, are excluded from the refueling reimbursement rates. 

We used the higher airlift rate in only one case−the 1998 Africa trip (app. III, 

table 9). In all other instances, we used the lower reimbursement rates 

since the aircraft were being used only for refueling.
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DOD does not publish flying hour cost reimbursement rates for the 

President’s aircraft (VC-25). For our 1999 report on the President’s trips to 

Africa, Chile, and China, the 1998 flying hour rate of $34,400 was provided 

by the White House Military Office. For this review, Air Force headquarters 

personnel provided us equivalent flying hour costs for the President’s plane 

for fiscal years 1997-2000. The rate for fiscal year 1998, $56,800 per flying 

hour, is substantially higher than the $34,400 rate that we used for our 1999 

report on the Africa, China, and Chile trips. Air Force officials told us that 

support costs increased and total flying hours decreased from earlier 

budget estimates, resulting in higher flying hour rates. We have 

recalculated these trip costs using the higher rate provided by Air Force 

headquarters during the course of the current review.

We did not evaluate the need for any element of airlift or air refueling 

support provided for any of the travel covered. Also, we did not evaluate 

the underlying accounting systems or independently verify certain 

underlying data such as the flying hour rates used to calculate DOD’s flying 

hour costs associated with the trips.

We conducted our review from January through July 2000 in accordance 

with generally accepted government auditing standards. 

Agency Comments and 

Our Evaluation

In separate written comments on a draft of this report, the White House 

stated it had no comments on the report and the Department of Defense 

stated it had no objections to the report. Both provided technical 

comments, which we incorporated as appropriate. These are reprinted in 

appendixes IX and X.

As agreed with your office, unless you publicly announce the contents of 

this report earlier, we will not distribute it until 30 days from the date of 

this report. At that time, we will send copies of this report to appropriate 

congressional committees; Mr. John Podesta, the White House Chief of 

Staff, Executive Office of the President; and the Honorable William S. 

Cohen, the Secretary of Defense. We will also provide copies of this report 

to other interested parties upon request.
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If you have any questions concerning this report, please call me on

202-512-5140 or William Solis on 202-512-8365. Gregory J. Symons was a 

major contributor to this report.

Norman J. Rabkin

Director, National Security 

Preparedness Issues
Page 10 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White Apendxies

House Foreign Travel ApendxiI

A variety of military fixed-wing aircraft are used in support of White House 

foreign travel. For foreign travel by the President, Vice President, and First 

Lady, both passenger and cargo aircraft are used. Also, many of the 

President’s trips are supported by air refueling aircraft. Other White House 

directed travelers’ trips usually require only passenger aircraft for foreign 

travel. 

The U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command provides most of the 

Department of Defense’s (DOD) fixed-wing passenger and cargo airlift 

services as well as air refueling for White House foreign travel.1

 To carry 

out its passenger missions for White House foreign travel for the trips in 

this report, DOD used the VC-25,2

 the C-137, the C-32, the C-9, the C-37, and 

the C-20. The equivalent civilian variants of these aircraft are the 

Boeing 747, the Boeing 707, the Boeing 757, the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, 

the Gulfstream V, and the Gulfstream III, respectively. To carry cargo for 

these trips, DOD used the C-5, the C-141, the C-130, and the C-17. For air 

refueling, DOD used the KC-10 and the KC-135. The KC-10 is also used for 

transporting cargo. Figures 1 to 12 show these aircraft.

1

In-theater military commanders may provide some airlift support. Costs for this support are 

not included in this report.

2

The VC-25 is used only by the President.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 11 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The VC-25 provides passenger transport for the President (see fig. 1). The 

Air Force has two of these aircraft. Other than the number of passengers 

carried, the principal differences between the VC-25 and the standard 

Boeing 747 are the electronic and communications equipment, interior 

configurations and furnishings, and the capability for in-flight air refueling.

Figure 1: VC-25

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 12 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-137, first placed into service in the early 1960s, was originally used to 

transport the President (see fig. 2). In 1990, the VC-25 replaced it, but the 

C-137 is still sometimes used by the Vice President, First Lady, and other 

high ranking officials. Only one remains in the Air Force’s inventory.

Figure 2: C-137 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 13 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-32 (see fig. 3), placed into service in early 1998, is replacing the 

C-137. The C-32s, which are modified Boeing 757s, have transported the 

Vice President, First Lady, and others.

Figure 3: C-32 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 14 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-9 is a modified version of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 (see fig. 4). It 

has been used to transport the President, Vice President, First Lady and 

others.

Figure 4: C-9 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 15 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-37 was placed into service in October 1998. The C-37 is the military 

version of the Gulfstream V (see fig. 5). The C-37 resembles the C-20 but is 

13 feet longer and, according to the Air Force, has a more advanced 

avionics package and greater performance capabilities.

Figure 5: C-37 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 16 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-20 aircraft is a twin engine turbofan aircraft (see fig. 6). It is a 

modified Gulfstream III.

Figure 6: C-20 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 17 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world (see fig. 7). It can carry 

291,000 pounds of cargo.

Figure 7: C-5 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 18 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-141 fills many DOD airlift requirements. The modified C-141s can 

carry 68,000 pounds of cargo for 2,270 nautical miles without refueling

(see fig. 8). The C-141 fleet is being replaced by the C-17.

Figure 8: C-141 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 19 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-17 (see fig. 9) is the newest cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. 

The C-17 can carry 160,000 pounds of cargo for 2,400 nautical miles without 

refueling. The C-17 will become the primary military airlift aircraft once it 

replaces the C-141s.

Figure 9: C-17 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 20 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The C-130 performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission (see fig. 10). It 

comes in a variety of versions with differing range and payload. In its airlift 

role, it can carry up to 92 combat troops or 6 pallets of cargo.

Figure 10: C-130 Aircraft

Source: Air Force
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 21 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The KC-135’s principal mission is air refueling (see fig. 11). The KC-135 can 

carry 150,000 pounds of fuel for 1,500 nautical miles. A cargo deck above 

the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo.

Figure 11: KC-135 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Appendix I

Airlift and Refueling Aircraft Used for White 

House Foreign Travel

Page 22 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The KC-10 performs tanker and cargo missions (see fig. 12). The KC-10 has 

a fuel capacity of 365,000 pounds, or it can transport up to 75 people and 

nearly 170,000 pounds of cargo a distance of about 4,400 miles without 

refueling.

Figure 12: KC-10 Aircraft

Source: Air Force.
Page 23 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix II

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1997 ApendxiI

Tables 2-8 contain details about each of the President’s foreign trips in 

1997, including the type of aircraft used, number of aircraft missions, and 

total estimated DOD fixed-wing aircraft support costs. Although we 

reviewed the President’s trips by calendar year, we calculated the total 

mission costs based on flying hour rates for the fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept. 30) 

because that is when DOD recalculates the rates. Thus, the rates in the 

tables change, depending on the time of the year of the trip. The President 

took seven foreign trips in 1997, and the estimated cost of DOD fixed-wing 

aircraft support was $42.3 million. Prior to October 1, 1997, aerial refueling 

data was not available; thus, trips shown in tables 2 through 5 do not 

include possible additional aerial refueling costs.

His first trip was a March 20-21, 1997, visit to Finland that included a 

summit meeting with the Russian President and a meeting with Finland’s 

President. Estimated costs for the Finland trip are shown in table 2.

Table 2: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Finland

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s second foreign trip in 1997 was to Mexico, Costa Rica, and 

Barbados on May 5-11. In Mexico, the President conducted a state visit. In 

Costa Rica, he attended a summit meeting of the presidents of the Central 

American Republics. In Barbados, he attended a U.S.-Caribbean 

community summit meeting. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in 

table 3.

Aircraft model

Primary

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Flying

hour rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 33.6 $39,800 $1,337,280

C-5 Cargo 7 144.2 10,729 1,547,122

C-141 Cargo 3 45.0 4,553 204,885

Total 12 222.8 $3,089,287
Appendix II

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1997

Page 24 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 3: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Mexico, 

Costa Rica, and Barbados

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s third trip in 1997 was to France, the Netherlands, and the 

United Kingdom on May 26-29. In France, the President attended the 

signing of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization-Russia Founding Act; in 

the Netherlands, he attended a U.S.-European Union summit meeting and 

commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Marshall Plan; and in the 

United Kingdom, he met with the Prime Minister and attended a cabinet 

meeting. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 4.

Table 4: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to France, the 

Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President took his fourth trip in 1997 to Spain, Poland, Romania, and 

Denmark on July 4-12. In Spain, the President vacationed with the King and 

attended a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit meeting; in Poland, 

he met with the current and former Presidents; in Romania, he met with the 

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Flying

hour rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 13.4 $39,800 $533,320

C-137C Passengers 2 46.3 10,300 476,890

C-5 Cargo 19 254.8 10,729 2,733,749

C-141 Cargo 2 28.1 4,553 127,939

C-130 Cargo 2 40.7 3,381 137,607

Total 26 383.3 $4,009,505

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Flying

hour rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 28.2 $39,800 $1,122,360

C-5 Cargo 15 254.4 10,729 2,729,458

C-141 Cargo 2 22.7 4,553 103,353

Total 19 305.3 $3,955,171
Appendix II

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1997

Page 25 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

President and political leaders; and in Denmark he met with the Queen and 

the Prime Minister. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 5.

Table 5: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Spain, 

Poland, Romania, and Denmark

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President took his fifth 1997 trip to Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina on 

October 12-18. In Venezuela, he met with the President; in Brazil and 

Argentina, he met with the President of each country and delivered several 

public addresses. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 6.

Table 6: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Venezuela, 

Brazil, and Argentina

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Flying

hour rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 22.6 $39,800 $899,480

C-137B Passengers 1 20.4 10,300 210,120

C-5 Cargo 22 374.1 10,729 4,013,719

C-141 Cargo 4 57.8 4,553 263,163

Total 28 474.9 $5,386,482

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Flying

hour rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 53.2 $56,800 $3,021,760

C-137B Passengers 1 31.1 9,935 308,979

C-5 Cargo 45 1,046.2 12,605 13,187,351

C-141 Cargo 12 287.6 5,349 1,538,372

C-130 Cargo 3 99.0 3,972 393,228

KC-10 Aerial 

refueling

1 4.6 3,063 14,090

KC-135 Aerial 

refueling

17 119.3 2,075 247,548

Total 81 1,641.0 $18,711,328
Appendix II

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1997

Page 26 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The President took his sixth 1997 foreign trip to Canada on November 23-

25. In Canada, he attended an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit 

meeting. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 7.

Table 7: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Canada

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President took his seventh and final 1997 foreign trip to Italy and 

Bosnia on December 22. In Italy, he stopped at Aviano Air Base en route to 

and from Bosnia. In Bosnia, he met with the President and visited U.S. 

military personnel. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 8.

Table 8: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Italy and 

Bosnia

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 20.7 $56,800 $1,175,760

C-5 Cargo 6 74.8 12,605 942,854

Total 8 95.5 $2,118,614

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 33.6 $56,800 $1,908,480

C-5 Cargo 6 79.9 12,605 1,007,140

C-141 Cargo 12 149.2 5,349 798,071

C-17 Cargo 11 184.2 7,025 1,294,005

Total 31 446.9 $5,007,696
Page 27 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix III

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1998 ApendxiI

Tables 9-15 contain details about each of the President’s foreign trips in 

1998, including the type of aircraft used, numbers of aircraft missions, and 

total estimated DOD fixed-wing aircraft support costs. The President took 

seven foreign trips in 1998, and the estimated cost of DOD fixed-wing 

aircraft support was $91.4 million.

The President’s first 1998 trip was to Africa from March 22 through April 2.1

In Ghana, he conducted a state visit with the President and visited a Peace 

Corps project; in Uganda, he participated in a summit of African leaders 

meeting with the Presidents of Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, 

Kenya, and the Congo; in Rwanda, he met with the President and delivered 

a public address on conflict resolution and human rights; in South Africa, 

he conducted a state visit and addressed a joint session of Parliament; in 

Botswana, he participated in a bilateral meeting with the President and 

visited Chobe National Park; and in Senegal, he met with the President, 

visited Senegalese peacekeeping troops, and delivered several public 

addresses. Estimated costs for the trip are shown in table 9.

Table 9: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Ghana, 

Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, and Senegal

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

1

See Presidential Travel: (GAO/NSIAD-99-164, Sept. 21, 1999).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 38.0 $56,800 $2,158,400

C-137 Passengers 2 77.5 9,935 769,963

C-20B Passengers 1 40.7 3,253 132,397

C-9A Passengers 1 46.5 2,005 93,233

C-9C Passengers 1 48.7 4,092 199,280

KC-135 Cargo 8 104.4 4,051 422,924

C-141 Cargo 19 568.4 5,349 3,040,372

C-5 Cargo 66 1,975.6 12,605 24,902,438

C-17 Cargo 5 116.4 7,025 817,710

KC-10 Aerial refueling 6 35.8 3,063 109,655

KC-135 Aerial refueling 104 456.9 2,075 948,068

Total 214 3,508.9 $33,594,440
Appendix III

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1998

Page 28 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The President’s second trip in 1998 was to Chile on April 16-19.2 In Chile, he 

conducted a State visit and attended the second summit meeting of the 

Americas. Estimated costs for the trip are shown in table 10.

Table 10: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Chile

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s third foreign trip for 1998 was the May 12-18 visit to 

Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. In Germany, he met with 

the Chancellor and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Berlin 

airlift; in the United Kingdom, he attended a G-8 economic summit and 

U.S.-European Union summit; and in Switzerland, he attended a World 

Trade Organization meeting. Estimated costs for the trip are shown in 

table 11.

2

See Presidential Travel: (GAO/NSIAD-99-164, Sept. 21, 1999).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 18.5 $56,800 $1,050,800

C-137C Passengers 1 20.0 9,935 198,700

C-9C Passengers 1 27.6 4,092 112,939

C-141 Cargo 4 73.5 5,349 393,152

C-5 Cargo 20 503.9 12,605 6,351,660

KC-135 Aerial refueling 9 73.4 2,075 152,305

Total 36 716.9 $8,259,556
Appendix III

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1998

Page 29 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 11: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Germany, 

the United Kingdom, and Switzerland

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s fourth trip in 1998 was to China for a state visit, June 25 

through July 3.3

 Estimated costs for the trip are shown in table 12.

Table 12: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to China

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s fifth 1998 foreign trip was to Russia, the United Kingdom, 

and Ireland on September 1-5. In Russia, the President attended a summit 

meeting with President Yeltsin; in the United Kingdom, he met with the 

Prime Minister and Northern Ireland political leaders and addressed the 

Northern Ireland Assembly; and in Ireland, he met with the Prime Minister 

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 19.2 $56,800 $1,090,560

C-137C Passengers 1 21.1 9,935 209,629

C-141 Cargo 5 42.4 5,349 226,798

C-5 Cargo 30 416.9 12,605 5,255,025

Total 37 499.6 $6,782,012

3

See Presidential Travel: (GAO/NSIAD-99-164, Sept. 21, 1999)

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 39.2 $56,800 $2,226,560

C-137C Passengers 3 113.5 9,935 1,127,623

C-5 Cargo 33 808.2 12,605 10,187,361

C-141 Cargo 3 18.3 5,349 97,887

KC-135 Aerial refueling 7 38.2 2,075 79,265

Total 47 1,017.4 $13,718,696
Appendix III

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1998

Page 30 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

and delivered public addresses. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in 

table 13.

Table 13: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Russia, 

United Kingdom, and Ireland

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s sixth foreign trip for 1998 was to Japan and Korea on 

November 19-22. In Japan he met with the Emperor and Prime Minister and 

addressed the American Chamber of Commerce; and in Korea, he met with 

the President and addressed U.S. military personnel. Estimated costs for 

this trip are shown in table 14.

Table 14: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Japan and 

Korea

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 39.1 $56,800 $2,220,880

C-137C Passengers 1 14.1 9,935 140,084

C-141 Cargo 3 75.8 5,349 405,454

C-5 Cargo 24 349.2 12,605 4,401,666

KC-135 Aerial refueling 1 2.4 2,075 4,980

Total 31 480.6 $7,173,064

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 97.6 $49,900 $4,870,240

C-141 Cargo 8 121.7 5,170 629,189

C-5 Cargo 32 678.1 13,497 9,152,316

C-130 Cargo 1 3.1 3,839 11,901

KC-10 Aerial refueling 3 24.8 2,866 71,077

KC-135 Aerial refueling 21 121.7 2,233 271,756

Total 67 1,047.0 $15,006,479
Appendix III

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1998

Page 31 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The President’s seventh and final foreign trip for 1998 was to Israel and the 

Palestinian Authority on December 12-15. In Israel, he met with the Prime 

Minister and senior Israeli officials; and in the Palestinian Authority, he 

addressed the Palestine National Council and attended a meeting with 

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat. Estimated costs for this 

trip are shown in table 15.

Table 15: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Israel and 

Palestinian Authority

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 21.3 $49,900 $1,062,870

C-137C Passengers 1 23.8 10,780 256,564

C-141 Cargo 3 80.8 5,170 417,736

C-5 Cargo 15 381.4 13,497 5,147,756

Total 20 507.3 $6,884,926
Page 32 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999 ApendxiIV

Tables 16-26 contain details about each of the President’s foreign trips in 

1999, including the type of aircraft used, numbers of aircraft missions, and 

total estimated DOD fixed-wing aircraft support costs for each trip. The 

President took 11 foreign trips in 1999, and the estimated cost of DOD 

fixed-wing aircraft support was $62.6 million.

The President’s first 1999 foreign trip was to Jordan on February 8 to attend 

the funeral of King Hussein. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in 

table 16.

Table 16: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Jordan

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s second foreign trip in 1999 was to Mexico on February 14-

15 to conduct a state visit. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in 

table 17.

Table 17: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Mexico

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 46.0 $49,900 $2,295,400

C-141 Cargo 4 61.7 5,170 318,989

C-17 Cargo 6 93.4 6,789 634,093

KC-135 Aerial refueling 3 16.8 2,233 37,514

Total 15 217.9 $3,285,996

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 11.3 $49,900 $563,870

C-141 Cargo 2 8.8 5,170 45,496

C-17 Cargo 12 98.3 6,789 667,359

C-130 Cargo 2 24.8 3,839 95,207

Total 18 143.2 $1,371,932
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 33 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

The President’s third foreign trip in 1999 was to Central America on 

March 8-11. In Nicaragua, he discussed reconstruction aid with the 

President; in Honduras, he discussed reconstruction aid with the Honduran 

President and addressed U.S. troops; in El Salvador, he addressed the 

Legislative Assembly; and in Guatemala, he attended a Central American 

summit. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 18.

Table 18: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Nicaragua, 

Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s fourth foreign trip in 1999 was to Belgium and Germany on 

May 4-6. In Belgium, he discussed the Kosovo conflict with North Atlantic 

Treaty Organization officials; and in Germany, he met with the Chancellor, 

Kosovo refugees, and U.S. military personnel. Estimated costs for this trip 

are shown in table 19.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 9.4 $49,900 $469,060

C-20C Passengers 1 11.5 4,076 46,874

C-137C Passengers 1 8.6 10,780 92,708

C-141 Cargo 2 30.1 5,170 155,617

C-17 Cargo 29 255.6 6,789 1,735,268

C-130 Cargo 5 85.5 3,839 328,235

C-5 Cargo 8 93.7 13,497 1,264,669

Total 47 494.4 $4,092,431
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 34 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 19: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Belgium and 

Germany

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s fifth foreign trip in 1999 was to Switzerland, France, 

Germany, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Italy on June 16-22. In Switzerland, he 

met with the President and addressed an International Labor Organization 

conference; in France, he discussed Kosovo peacekeeping with the 

President and the Prime Minister; in Germany, he attended a G-8 economic 

summit meeting; in Slovenia, he met with the President and the Prime 

Minister and also with the President of Montenegro; in Macedonia, he met 

with the President, addressed Kosovar refugees, and addressed North 

Atlantic Treaty Organization military personnel; and in Italy, he addressed 

U.S. military personnel. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 20.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 16.5 $49,900 $823,350

C-137C Passengers 1 16.6 10,780 178,948

C-141 Cargo 2 25.5 5,170 131,835

C-5 Cargo 20 359.8 13,497 4,856,221

Total 24 418.4 $5,990,354
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 35 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 20: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Switzerland, 

France, Germany, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Italy

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s sixth foreign trip in 1999 was to Morocco on July 25. In 

Morocco, he attended the funeral of King Hassan and met with the 

Palestinian Authority President and the Israeli Prime Minister. Estimated 

costs for this trip are shown in table 21.

Table 21: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Morocco

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s seventh foreign trip in 1999 was to Bosnia on July 29-30, 

where he attended a stability pact leaders conference in Sarajevo. 

Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 22.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 18.6 $49,900 $928,140

C-137C Passengers 1 20.3 10,780 218,834

C-20C Passengers 1 21.4 4,076 87,226

C-141 Cargo 5 58.8 5,170 303,996

C-5 Cargo 25 414.2 13,497 5,590,457

C-17 Cargo 9 142.0 6,789 964,038

Total 42 675.3 $8,092,691

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 29.6 $49,900 $1,477,040

C-141 Cargo 1 22.9 5,170 118,393

C-5 Cargo 3 36.9 13,497 498,039

C-17 Cargo 1 15.9 6,789 107,945

Total 7 105.3 $2,201,417
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 36 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 22: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Bosnia

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s eighth foreign trip in 1999 was to New Zealand on 

September 11-15. There, he conducted a state visit and attended the Asia 

Pacific economic cooperation leaders meeting. Estimated costs for this trip 

are shown in table 23.

Table 23: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to New Zealand

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s ninth foreign trip in 1999 was to Canada on October 7-8. 

There, he met with the Prime Minister and the Premier of Quebec, attended 

a federalism conference, and dedicated a new embassy building. Estimated 

costs for this trip are shown in table 24.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 32.3 $49,900 $1,611,770

C-141 Cargo 3 25.7 5,170 132,869

C-5 Cargo 9 162.4 13,497 2,191,913

C-17 Cargo 11 140.3 6,789 952,497

Total 25 360.7 $4,889,049

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 70.6 $49,900 $3,522,940

C-20 Passengers 1 46.0 4,076 187,496

C-141 Cargo 6 102.3 5,170 528,891

C-5 Cargo 28 747.9 13,497 10,094,406

C-130 Cargo 25 150.9 3,839 579,305

KC-10 Aerial refueling 12 43.4 2,866 124,384

KC-135 Aerial refueling 15 115.5 2,233 257,912

Total 89 1,276.6 $15,295,334
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 37 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 24: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Canada

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s 10th foreign trip in 1999 was to Norway on November 1-2. 

There, he conducted a state visit, attended a commemorative ceremony for 

former Israeli Prime Minister Rabin, and discussed the Chechnya crisis 

with the Russian Prime Minister. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in 

table 25.

Table 25: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Norway

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The President’s 11th and final foreign trip in 1999 was to Turkey, Greece, 

Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo on November 15-23. In 

Turkey, he conducted a state visit and attended the summit meeting of the 

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; in Greece, he 

conducted a state visit and met with the Prime Minister; in Italy, he 

attended a conference on progressive governance for the 21st century; and 

in Bulgaria, he met with the President and the Prime Minister. In the 

remaining locations, he met with the Kosovar Transitional Council, and 

addressed the Albanian community, and U.S. military personnel. Estimated 

costs for this trip are shown in table 26.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate Mission cost

VC-25 Passengers 1 3.5 $54,100 $189,350

C-141 Cargo 1 11.4 5,074 57,844

C-17 Cargo 5 13.0 6,664 86,632

Total 7 27.9 $333,826

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 30.1 $54,100 $1,628,410

C-141 Cargo 2 20.7 5,074 105,032

C-5 Cargo 3 40.2 14,598 586,840

C-17 Cargo 2 24.1 6,664 160,602

Total 9 115.1 $2,480,884
Appendix IV

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 1999

Page 38 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 26: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Turkey, 

Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 51.0 $54,100 $2,759,100

C-20C Passengers 1 29.0 3,705 107,445

C-141 Cargo 6 110.9 5,074 562,707

C-5 Cargo 20 382.0 14,598 5,576,436

C-17 Cargo 45 654.8 6,664 4,363,587

C-130 Cargo 9 72.8 3,768 274,310

KC-10 Aerial 

refueling

13 91.0 2,921 265,811

KC-135 Aerial 

refueling

38 292.4 2,255 659,362

Total 134 1,683.9 $14,568,758
Page 39 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix V

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 2000 ApendxiV

Tables 27-29 contain details about each of the President’s foreign trips in 

2000 (Jan. 1 through Mar. 31), including the type of aircraft used, number of 

aircraft missions, and total estimated DOD fixed-wing aircraft support 

costs for each trip. The President took two foreign trips in the first quarter 

of 2000, and DOD incurred costs to transport cargo for a Burundi peace 

conference in which the President participated by video. The conference 

was held in Tanzania. Estimated DOD fixed-wing aircraft support costs for 

the two trips plus the video conference totaled $50.6 million.

The President’s first foreign trip in 2000 was to Switzerland on January 29 

to address the World Economic Forum. Estimated costs for this trip are 

shown in table 27.

Table 27: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to Switzerland

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

On February 22 the President participated in a video conference for the 

Burundi peace conference. The aircraft costs listed in table 28 represent 

the costs for transporting video equipment to Tanzania for the conference.

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 30.0 $54,100 $1,623,000

C-141 Cargo 3 37.8 5,074 191,797

C-5 Cargo 10 114.3 14,598 1,668,551

C-17 Cargo 1 22.8 6,664 151,939

Total 16 204.9 $3,635,287
Appendix V

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the President’s Foreign Trips in 2000

Page 40 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 28: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for Tanzania Video Conference

Source: Transportation Command and Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).

The President’s second trip in 2000 was to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, 

Oman, and Switzerland on March 19-29. In India, he met with the President, 

signed a joint statement on energy and the environment, and addressed the 

Indian Parliament; in Bangladesh, he met with the President and the Prime 

Minister; in Pakistan, he met with the President and the Commanding 

General and delivered a radio address; in Oman, he met with the Sultan en 

route to Switzerland; and in Switzerland, he met with the President of 

Syria. Estimated costs for this trip are shown in table 29.

Table 29: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for President’s Trip to India, 

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Oman, and Switzerland

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

C-141 Cargo 3 98.5 $5,074 $499,789

Aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

VC-25 Passengers 2 70.2 $54,100 $3,797,820

C-20 Passengers 1 45.8 3,705 169,689

C-141 Cargo 5 177.5 5,074 900,635

C-5 Cargo 47 1,392.4 14,598 20,326,255

C-17 Cargo 94 2,637.2 6,664 17,574,300

KC-10 Aerial refueling 64 237.9 2,921 694,906

KC-135 Aerial refueling 196 1,344.2 2,255 3,031,171

Total 409 5,905.2 $46,494,776
Page 41 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix VI

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the Vice President’s Foreign Trips, 1997 

Through March 31, 2000 ApendxiVI

The Vice President took eight foreign trips from January 1, 1997, through 

March 31, 2000: four in 1997, two in 1998, and two in 1999. According to 

White House Military Office Officials, he took no foreign trips in 2000 

through the end of March. In 1997, the Vice President took four foreign 

trips at an estimated cost of $7 million to the following locations: South 

Africa, China, Russia, and Japan. Estimated costs for these four trips are 

shown in table 30.

Table 30: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for Vice President’s Foreign Trips 

in 1997

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

In 1998, the Vice President took two foreign trips at an estimated cost of 

$3.2 million to the following locations: the Middle East and Russia. 

Estimated costs for these trips are shown in table 31.

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

South Africa−February 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 35.2 $10,300 $362,560

C-141 Cargo 18 441.1 4,553 2,008,328

Total 19 476.3 $2,370,888

China-March 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 39.2 $10,300 $403,760

C-5 Cargo 6 112.8 10,729 1,210,231

C-141 Cargo 5 175.5 4,553 799,052

Total 12 327.5 $2,413,043

Russia−September 1997

C-137C Passengers 2 44.6 $10,300 $459,380

C-9 Passengers 1 23.3 2,179 50,771

C-5 Cargo 2 33.6 10,729 360,494

C-141 Cargo 5 96.0 4,553 437,088

Total 10 197.5 $1,307,733

Japan−December 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 28.5 $9,935 $283,148

C-141 Cargo 4 115.2 5,349 616,205

Total 5 143.7 $899,352
Appendix VI

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the Vice President’s Foreign Trips, 1997 

Through March 31, 2000

Page 42 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 31: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for Vice President’s Foreign Trips 

in 1998

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

In 1999, the Vice President took two foreign trips at an estimated cost of 

$2.3 million to the following locations: the United Kingdom and South 

Africa. Estimated costs for these two trips are shown in table 32.

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

Middle East−April 1998

C-137C Passengers 1 30.2 $9,935 $300,037

C-141 Cargo 3 78.1 5,349 417,757

C-5 Cargo 5 92.2 12,605 1,162,181

Total 9 200.5 $1,879,975

Russia−July 1998

C-137C Passengers 1 22.7 $9,935 $225,525

C-141 Cargo 3 61.5 5,349 328,964

C-5 Cargo 3 52.7 12,605 664,284

C-130 Cargo 2 29.1 3,972 115,585

Total 9 166.0 $1,334,358
Appendix VI

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

the Vice President’s Foreign Trips, 1997 

Through March 31, 2000

Page 43 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 32: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for Vice President’s Foreign Trips 

in 1999

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

United Kingdom-January 1999

C-137 Passengers 1 16.7 $10,780 $180,026

C-141 Cargo 5 75.9 5,170 392,403

C-5 Cargo 2 25.8 13,497 348,223

Total 8 118.4 $920,652

South Africa-February 1999

C-137 Passengers 1 32.8 $10,780 $353,584

C-141 Cargo 3 105.8 5,170 546,986

C-17 Cargo 2 74.6 6,789 506,459

Total 6 213.2 $1,407,029
Page 44 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix VII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

First Lady’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through 

March 31, 2000 ApendxiVI

The First Lady took 20 trips from January 1, 1997, through March 31, 2000: 

eight in 1997, five in 1998, and seven in 1999. According to White House 

Military Office officials, she took no foreign trips in 2000 through the end of 

March. In 1997, the First Lady traveled to Africa; Mexico; Austria and 

Portugal; the United Kingdom, Ireland, and India; two trips to Panama; 

Ireland and Russia; and Canada at a total estimated cost of $4.3 million. 

Estimated costs for these eight trips are shown in table 33.

Table 33: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the First Lady’s Foreign Trips in 

1997

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

Africa−March 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 43.5 $10,300 $448,050

C-141 Cargo 9 95.9 4,553 436,633

Total 10 139.4 $884,683

Mexico−May 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 8.7 $10,300 $89,610

C-137B Passengers 1 8.1 10,300 83,430

C-130 Cargo 1 11.2 3,381 37,867

Total 3 28.0 $210,907

Austria and Portugal−July 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 21.6 $10,300 $222,480

C-141 Cargo 4 70.8 4,553 322,352

Total 5 92.4 $545,832

United Kingdom, Ireland, and India−September 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 14.8 $10,300 $152,440

C-141 Cargo 3 92.2 4,553 419,787

Total 4 107.0 $572,227

Panama−September 1997

C-9 Passengers 1 12.0 $2,179 $26,148

Panama−October 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 9.2 $9,935 $91,402

C-141 Cargo 1 20.8 5,349 111,259

Total 2 30.0 $202,661
Appendix VII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

First Lady’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through 

March 31, 2000

Page 45 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The First Lady took five foreign trips in 1998 at an estimated cost of

$2.7 million to the following locations: Switzerland; France and Germany; 

South America; Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia; and Central America. 

Estimated costs for these five trips are shown in table 34.

Table 34: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the First Lady’s Foreign Trips in 

1998

Ireland and Russia−November 1997

C-137C Passengers 2 51.8 $9,935 $514,633

C-20B Passengers 1 35.3 3,253 114,831

C-141 Cargo 7 186.5 5,349 997,589

Total 10 273.6 $1,627,053

Canada−November 1997

C-137C Passengers 1 22.6 $9,935 $224,531

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

Switzerland−January/February 1998

C-137C Passengers 1 17.0 $9,935 $168,895

C-141 Cargo 2 38.7 5,349 207,006

Total 3 55.7 $375,901

France and Germany−May 1998

C-137C Passengers 1 18.2 $9,935 $180,817

C-141 Cargo 5 27.9 5,349 149,237

Total 6 46.1 $330,054

South America−September 1998

C-20B Passengers 1 23.8 $3,253 $77,421

C-141 Cargo 2 58.9 5,349 315,056

Total 3 82.7 $392,477

Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia−October 1998

C-137C Passengers 1 22.0 $10,780 $237,160

C-141 Cargo 4 61.2 5,170 316,404

Total 5 83.2 $553,564

(Continued From Previous Page)

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost
Appendix VII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

First Lady’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through 

March 31, 2000

Page 46 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense 

(Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

In 1999, the First Lady took seven foreign trips at an estimated cost of

$5.1 million to the following locations: Jordan for King Hussein’s funeral; 

Africa, Ireland, and the United Kingdom; Europe twice; the Middle East; 

and Greece and Turkey. Estimated costs for these trips are shown in table 

35.

Table 35: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for the First Lady’s Foreign Trips in 

1999

Central America−November 1998

C-32A Passenger 2 21.0 $9,068 $190,428

C-141 Cargo 8 83.6 5,170 432,212

C-130 Cargo 9 102.8 3,839 394,649

Total 19 207.4 $1,017,289

Trip location and 

aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost

Jordan-February 1999a

C-137 Passengers 1 25.4 $10,780 $273,812

C-141 Cargo 2 23.2 5,170 119,944

Total 3 48.6 $393,756

Africa-March 1999

C-137 Passengers 1 33.0 $10,780 $355,740

C-141 Cargo 21 383.5 5,170 1,982,695

Total 22 416.5 $2,338,435

Ireland and United Kingdom-May 1999

C-32A Passengers 1 19.8 $9,068 $179,546

C-141 Cargo 6 52.0 5,170 268,840

Total 7 71.8 $448,386

Europe-June 1999a

C-9C Passengers 1 24.3 $4,344 $105,559

(Continued From Previous Page)

Trip location and aircraft 

model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost
Appendix VII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

First Lady’s Foreign Trips, 1997 Through 

March 31, 2000

Page 47 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

a

Accompanied the President on portions of this trip.

Source: White House Military Office, Transportation Command, Office of the Under Secretary of 

Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

Europe-October 1999

C-137 Passengers 1 20.6 $2,058 $42,395

C-141 Cargo 9 102.4 5,074 519,578

C-130 Cargo 2 43.6 3,768 164,285

Total 12 166.6 $726,258

Middle East-November 1999

C-32A Passengers 1 15.1 $13,929 $210,328

C-141 Cargo 2 49.3 5,074 250,148

C-5 Cargo 2 30.0 14,598 437,940

Total 5 94.4 $898,416

Greece and Turkey-November 1999a

C-32A Passengers 1 15.6 $13,929 $217,292

(Continued From Previous Page)

Trip location and 

aircraft model

Primary 

mission

Missions

flown

Flight

hours

Hourly

rate

Mission

cost
Page 48 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix VIII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

Other White House-Directed Foreign Trips, 

1997 Through March 31, 2000 ApendxiVI

The Secretary of State was the most frequent other White House-directed 

foreign traveler for the entire period, making 42 of the 104 trips. She 

traveled to numerous locations, and often to multiple countries within a 

single trip. During one such trip in 1997, for example, she flew to Italy, 

Germany, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Russia, Korea, Japan, and 

China within a 10-day period. Other members of the President’s cabinet 

took similar foreign trips, though less frequently than the Secretary of 

State.

Other travelers took 37 White House-directed trips in 1997 at a total 

estimated cost of $8.8 million, as shown in table 36.

Table 36: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs of White House-Directed Foreign 

Trips of Other Travelers in 1997

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Office of Under Secretary of the Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force 

(Financial Management and Comptroller).

Other travelers took 35 White House-directed trips in 1998 at a total 

estimated cost of $5.0 million, as shown in table 37.

Traveler Number of trips Total cost

Secretary of State 12 $3,948,448

Secretary of Energy 4 815,753

Deputy Secretary of State 3 1,082,260

National Security Advisor 5 218,759

Secretary of Treasury 2 913,610

Secretary of Transportation 3 509,109

Secretary of Interior 1 31,136

Special envoys or delegations 7 1,326,025

Total 37 $8,845,100
Appendix VIII

DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs for 

Other White House-Directed Foreign Trips, 

1997 Through March 31, 2000

Page 49 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Table 37: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs of White House-Directed Foreign 

Trips of Other Travelers in 1998

Source: 89th Airlift Wing, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), and Air Force 

(Financial Management and Comptroller).

Other travelers took 27 trips in 1999 at a total estimated cost of $5.2 million, 

as shown in table 38.

Table 38: DOD Fixed-wing Aircraft Support Costs of White House-Directed Foreign 

Trips of Other Travelers in 1999

Source: White House Military Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), and Air 

Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).

The Secretary of State took five trips in 2000 (through March 31) at a total 

estimated cost of $1.9 million. According to White House Military Office 

officials, she was the only traveler who took a White House-directed 

foreign trip during this period.

Traveler Number of trips Total cost

Secretary of State 15 $2,825,566

Secretary of Energy 1 170,457

Deputy Secretary of State 1 286,128

National Security Advisor 2 150,147

Federal Bureau of Investigations Director 2 145,084

Deputy Treasury Secretary 1 179,566

Central Intelligence Agency Director 1 63,725

Special envoys and delegations 12 1,220,319

Total 35 $5,040,992

Traveler Number of trips Total cost

Secretary of State 10 $2,838,209

Deputy Secretary of State 8 1,001,556

Attorney General 3 414,868

Secretary of Labor 1 198,589

Special envoys and delegations 5 708,437

Total 27 $5,161,659
Page 50 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix IX

Comments From the White House ApendxiIX
Page 51 GAO/NSIAD-00-209 Presidential Travel

Appendix X

Comments From the Department of Defense ApendxiX

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