SAM I Am: 89th Airlift Wing showcases Special Air Mission during tour Published Feb. 28, 2020 By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Ever wonder what it takes to fly the president, vice president, first lady, and national and foreign dignitaries throughout the blue? The effort and precision happen 24/7 thanks to the 89th Airlift Wing members, who maintain the Special Airlift Mission (SAM), which represents the highest level of distinguished visitor travel and must meet stringent schedule and protocol requirements in a highly-visible environment. Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp took an immersion tour Feb. 28 for a firsthand look at the combat-ready force of more than 1,100 Airmen and civilians who provide airlift, logistics, aerial port and communications for the presidential administration, combatant commanders, and other senior military and elected leaders as tasked by The White House, the United States Air Force Chief of Staff, and Air Mobility Command. The motto "SAM FOX" was derived from the initials of Special Air Missions and the phonetic pronunciation of the letter "F" for foreign. "Special Air Missions - Foreign" expresses the mission transporting DVs in four words. The 89th Airlift Wing provides this service with 17 aircraft dedicated to the SAM.