Air Force 757 makes emergency landing in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Air Force Boeing 757 has made an emergency landing at the Des Moines International Airport after a windshield cracked during the flight.

Airport Director of Operations Alan Graff says the plane landed safety Friday morning and all nine people on board left the jet safely.

The white unmarked jet landed around 9:30 a.m. after making a distress call seeking to divert its flight plan to land at the airport.

The Air Force version of a 757 is called a C-32 and its primary use is to provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for our nation's leaders to locations around the world. The primary customers are the vice president, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two," the first lady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress," according to an Air Force fact sheet.

Airport officials referred further questions to the Air Force.

A public affairs officer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. couldn't immediately provide further details on where the flight originated, where it was going or what caused the windshield to crack.

In Other News

Republicans will again try to slash defense secretary’s salary to $1

Democratic lawmakers have blasted the salary reductions as unrealistic and petty.

Tight congressional calendar squeezes lawmakers’ defense work

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 24, 2024.

VA chief of staff stepping down from leadership post next month

Kimberly Jackson has served as the VA's top advisor since last fall, and will leave the post in mid-July.

US prepares to open new training site for foreign F-35 pilots

Ebbing Air National Guard Base will become the latest U.S.-based site dedicated to training pilots across the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter enterprise.

Grand jury indicts CEO of military privatized housing company

The Michaels Organization CEO has taken a leave of absence to "focus on vigorously defending himself" against racketeering allegations, the company said.

Chinese military’s rifle-toting robot dogs raise concerns in Congress

Lawmakers want U.S. military officials to examine the threat posed by new Chinese robot dogs armed with rifles.

Southern border mission has no military value, Guard chief warns

Gen. Daniel Hokanson said the ongoing southern border mission is not helping troops improve military readiness.

Americans want more intervention in foreign affairs: poll

A new survey found a significant increase in support for American involvement in international challenges.

Japan says its Ospreys will keep flying unrestricted despite US qualms

Japan’s defense chief said Friday that Japanese and American V-22 Ospreys are being safely operated in his country.

Congress’ defense fight to focus on pay raises, total military spending

Here’s a look at the major differences in the House and Senate bills, and the debates ahead.

Load More