YORBA LINDA, Calif. (KABC) — A historic presidential helicopter that carried Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford was transported Monday from the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda to the March Field Air Museum near Riverside for restoration.<\/p>\n
The helicopter, one of the most recognizable presidential aircraft in American history, is perhaps best known for its association with Nixon’s departure from the White House following his resignation in 1974.<\/p>\n
“It’s a huge piece of history because when he resigned in 1974, this is what he left the White House in,” said Nancy Hicks, a docent at the Nixon Presidential Library.<\/p>\n
A ceremony at the library marked the helicopter’s departure, including the playing of the national anthem. The aircraft, which had been displayed outdoors for years, was loaded by crane onto a flatbed truck and prepared for the 42-mile trip to the museum, where it will undergo restoration.<\/p>\n
“It’s going to be really cool to see it restored, because it’s been here a long time, and was starting to look a little sad,” said Shirley Mills of Placentia. “And frankly, it’s history.”<\/p>\n
The helicopter’s journey began on surface streets before crews encountered a brief problem while attempting to enter the eastbound 91 Freeway. After a short delay, the convoy continued east, drawing attention from motorists as it traveled through Corona, then north on Interstate 15 through Norco, before heading east again on the 60 Freeway.<\/p>\n
The aircraft arrived at the March Field Air Museum nearly three hours later.<\/p>\n
Museum officials said the restoration is expected to take four to five months.<\/p>\n
“Our curator is a genius when it comes to aircraft detail. And we have an all-volunteer crew doing amazing work,” said Jamil Dada, president of the March Field Air Museum.<\/p>\n
As part of the agreement to restore the aircraft, the museum will retain it for public display for at least a year after the work is completed before it is returned to the Nixon Presidential Library.<\/p>\n
“We want the people of Riverside County, the citizens, to get a chance to experience a presidential helicopter, which is a great opportunity,” said Dada. “That’s why we’re keeping it here another 12 to 14 months on display.”<\/p>\n
Following the helicopter’s arrival, officials unveiled the aircraft at the museum to dozens of supporters at a ceremony inside the museum.<\/p>\n
“It’s unreal that this is happening this week, on the 250th birthday,” said Dada. “I’m an immigrant, and I moved to the United States 50 years ago this month. So, for me it’s incredible that we’re going to have a presidential helicopter.”<\/p>\n
The helicopter is expected to remain at the March Field Air Museum during the restoration process and subsequent public display before eventually returning to the Nixon Presidential Library.<\/p>\n
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