Understanding Navy Two and Other Presidential Aircraft Call Signs

For many, the terms like Navy Two, Air Force One, and Marine One conjure images of specific aircraft dedicated to transporting U.S. military leaders. However, these terms are not necessarily names of individual aircraft but rather assigned call signs. In this article, we will explore the true nature of these call signs and the rules behind them.

What Does Navy Two Really Mean?

Navy Two is not an actual aircraft; it is a call sign used for any Navy aircraft carrying the Vice President of the United States (VPOTUS) or any other senior official. This term is part of a broader system used by the U.S. military for any aircraft carrying high-ranking officials. Thus, the term can refer to various types of aircraft, from military to commercial, depending on the need of the moment.

Common Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about these call signs are widespread. Many believe that Air Force One, Navy One, and Marine One refer to specific individual aircraft. This is incorrect; these terms are assigned to the aircraft that the President, Vice President, or other high-ranking officials are using at the time. The fleet of these aircraft can change, and any aircraft used for official purposes will take on the appropriate call sign based on its role:

President on Board: Air Force One, Navy One, Marine One, etc. VP on Board: Air Force Two, Navy Two, Marine Two, etc. No High-Ranking Officials on Board: The aircraft will use the assigned call sign for Air Traffic Control (ATC) purposes. Civilian Aircraft: If a civil aircraft is used, the call sign would be something like "Executive One."

Historical Context and Protocol

The designation of aircraft call signs is based on a set of protocols established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure clear communication and safety. For instance:

Presidential Air Traffic Control (ATC): The aircraft carrying the President will be designated as ___ One, with the __ indicating the type of service. Secondary Official Flights: Accompanying aircraft, whether military or commercial, will take on the ___ Two designation.

For example, if a Vice President boards an Air Force aircraft, it will be given the call sign Air Force Two, regardless of the actual model or type of aircraft. Similarly, if a Marine Corps aircraft transports a high-ranking official, it will be designated as Marine Two.

Example Scenarios

Let's consider a few scenarios to better illustrate this concept:

Scenario 1: The President is not present

If officials are transported on a commercial aircraft and the President is not on board, the aircraft will use a call sign like Executive One when in a military area. This ensures that the aircraft is properly identified for ATC and other related services.

Scenario 2: A Military Aircraft Without High-Ranking Officials

Even if a military aircraft is not carrying high-ranking officials, it will still use its assigned ___ Two call sign for ATC purposes. This is crucial for maintaining proper communication protocols and ensuring safety during air traffic control.

Scenario 3: Emergency Situations

In emergency situations or unexpected changes in plans, the aircraft can be re-designated. If the President boards a Cessna or any other commercial aircraft, it will be re-designated as Air Force One as soon as the President is on board, highlighting the dynamic nature of these call signs.

Conclusion

The terms like Navy Two, Air Force One, and Marine One are not about specific aircraft but rather call signs used for security and protocol purposes. Understanding these call signs is crucial for anyone working in military aviation or related fields, especially in scenarios involving high-ranking officials. Whether it's a military jet or a commercial airliner, the appropriate call sign will be used based on the current occupants.