Presidential inauguration traditions continue at Joint Base Andrews
On President Ronald W. Reagan’s Inauguration Day Jan. 20, 1981, an Air Force security policeman stands guard on the side of one of the presidential helicopters (VH-3A) at Andrews Air Force Base. (Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files, NARA)
President Elect arrives at JBA
President-Elect Donald Trump and his family land at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 19, 2017. Trump arrived from New York in preparation for his inauguration ceremony, to take place Jan. 20, 2017. This marks the first time Trump will have arrived at JBA in an official capacity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gabrielle Spalding)
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A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules, assigned to the 133rd Airlift Wing, Minnesota National Guard, arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 18, 2021. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women conducted security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Morgan R. Whitehouse)
Presidential Inaugural Parade practice
Col. Larry Lang, U.S. Air Force Band commander and conductor, leads the band in a musical selection during rehearsal for the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 11, 2013. Approximately 15,000 military personnel from 133 units will be participating in the parade January 21, 2013. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea)
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Airmen from the 132nd Fighter Wing, based in Des Moines, Iowa, and 185th Air Refueling Wing, based in Sioux City, Iowa, disembark from a KC-135 Stratotanker after arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, Jan. 16, 2009, to support the 56th presidential inauguration. It was the first time in its 170-year history that the Iowa National Guard participated in a presidential inauguration. (Photo by Army Spc. Cassandra Moore)
Presidential inauguration traditions continue at Joint Base Andrews
Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barabara give a final goodbye wave prior to boarding Air Force One. Approximately 600 well-wishers were present for their departure at Andrew Air Force Base on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 1993. (Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Combined Military Service Digital Photographic File, NARA)
Presidential inauguration traditions continue at Joint Base Andrews
President Ronald W. Reagan during his departure ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Jan. 20, 1989. (White House Photographic Collection, Reagan White House Photographs, NARA)
Presidential inauguration traditions continue at Joint Base Andrews
Nancy Reagan and Former President Ronald Reagan wave before boarding a U.S. Air Force VC-37C at the conclusion of their departure ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, Jan. 20, 1989. (White House Photographic Collection, Reagan White House Photographs, NARA)
Retired General from Travis inducted into Georgia Veterans Hall of Fame
U.S. Air Force retired Brig. Gen Larry Wright, former commander of the 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, flew former President Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn, left, along with former Vice President Walter Mondale, second from right, and his wife, Joan. Here the Carters and Mondale's depart Andrews AFB at the conclusion of President Ronald Reagan's inauguration ceremony, Jan. 20, 1981. (Photo by Clawson, provided via DIMOC)
Presidential inauguration traditions continue at Joint Base Andrews
President Bill Clinton waves farewell from the steps to Special Air Mission 2800, upon his final departure from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Jan. 20, 2001. (Photographs of the White House Photograph Office, Photographs Relating to the Clinton Administration, NARA)
By Patrick Griffith / Published Jan. 23, 2025
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md.,
With a history dating back to World War II, Joint Base Andrews has played a pivotal role in U.S. presidential inaugurations, from arrivals of president-elects to serving as a key logistical hub for military support and ceremonial preparations.
In 2021, nearly 25,000 National Guard Airmen and Soldiers provided security, communications and logistical support for President Joe Biden’s inauguration, and many of them were flown into Andrews.
On Jan. 19, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump landed at Andrews aboard a U.S. Air Force C-32 assigned to the 89th Airlift Wing to attend his inauguration the following day.
The U.S. Air Force Band and Joint Ceremonial Honor Guard practiced often at Andrews in preparation for presidential inaugurations before both units moved to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C., in June 2020.
Many past presidents have flown out of the base after inauguration ceremonies, punctuating their term as commander in chief and their link to “America’s Airfield.” This list of former presidents includes Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
The tradition of support continued this year as service members across the Total Force participated in the inauguration of President Donald Trump and sendoff ceremony for former President Joe Biden, Jan. 20, 2025. After attending President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Biden and his wife, Jill, flew from the Capitol aboard a VH-3D Sea King helicopter to Andrews. Here, he made his final remarks to more than 800 people before boarding a VC-25A assigned to the Presidential Airlift Group, designated Special Air Mission 46.
As the gateway for presidential arrivals and departures, Andrews continues to serve on the national stage and as a symbol of democratic continuity.
