Obama’s Unexpected Air Force One Routine Causes Suspense

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza(WASHINGTON) — There was a moment of suspense and mystery surrounding President Obama’s arrival at Andrews Air Force Base Wednesday when the highly choreographed routine took a peculiar turn.

All seemed to be running as usual when the president arrived on Air Force One at 3:28 p.m. Wednesday, after delivering a speech to troops in Florida.

But after stepping off the plane, the president spent several minutes chatting with several Secret Service agents before getting into the presidential limo, known as the Beast.

Then, instead of pulling off the tarmac, his motorcade made a loop and pulled up next to an unidentified, smaller plane. The president then walked up the steps of the plane and spent several minutes aboard before walking back down the steps and getting into his motorcade and pulling away.

“Prior to heading back to the White House, the president stopped to chat briefly with FLOTUS prior to her departure for her trip,” according to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest, referring to the first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.

Minutes later, the first lady was spotted stepping off that plane and walking across the tarmac to another plane that is part of the usual Air Force One fleet. She is scheduled to speak in Memphis, Tennessee, Wednesday afternoon. There was a maintenance issue with her plane.

“The First Lady is delayed by approximately an hour and a half. The delay was caused by an aircraft maintenance issue. As previously planned, the First Lady is looking forward to visiting with the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their families,” according to the White House.

Adding to the mystery, the TV pool coverage that customarily carries the arrival and departure of Air Force One live was blocked from the tarmac by base officials. White House officials said they don’t know why the cameras were blocked, contrary to policy.

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