Editing Boeing C-32

{{short description|Executive transport aircraft by Boeing}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->{{Use American English|date=June 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = C-32
| image = File:90017 - Boeing C-32 - United States Air Force (48632429886).jpg
| caption = A C-32A on final approach
| type = [[Very Important Person|VIP]] transport, [[special operations]]
| manufacturer = [[Boeing]]
| national_origin = United States
| designer = 
| first_flight = 
| introduction = June 1998
| retired = 
| produced = 
| number_built = C-32A: 8<ref name="factsheet2" /><br> C-32B: 4<ref name="b622" />
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
| more_users = 
| developed_from = [[Boeing 757]]
| variants = 
}}

The '''Boeing C-32''' is the [[United States Air Force]] designation for variants of the [[Boeing 757]] in military service. Two variants exist, filling different parts of the military passenger transport role. The '''C-32A''' serves the [[Special Air Mission]], providing executive transport and broad communications capabilities to senior political officials, while the '''C-32B Gatekeeper''' provides clandestine airlift to special operations and global emergency response efforts, a role known as "covered air".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Naylor|first=Sean|url=https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781466876224|title=Relentless Strike: The Secret History of Joint Special Operations Command|publisher=[[St. Martin's Press]]|year=2015|isbn=9781466876224|location=New York|pages=15|language=en|author-link=Sean Naylor}}</ref>

The primary users of the C-32A are the [[Vice President of the United States|vice president of the United States]] (using the call sign "[[Air Force Two]]" when aboard), the [[First Lady of the United States|first lady]], and the [[United States Secretary of State|secretary of state]]. On occasion, other members of the [[Cabinet of the United States|president's Cabinet]] and [[United States Congress|members of Congress]] have flown aboard the C-32A. The aircraft also occasionally serves as [[Air Force One]] in place of the larger [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] for a variety of reasons, including accessing smaller airports domestically or when the larger aircraft is not needed.

Less is known of the activities of C-32B, whose existence is not widely promoted by the Air Force,<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 21, 2020|title=C-32|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104518/c-32/ |access-date=2021-08-07|website=U.S. Air Force|language=en-US}}</ref> they support government airlift for crisis.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=C-32 Archives |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons-platforms/c-32/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The B models are former commercial 757 used for global airlift for government crisis needs.<ref name=":10" /> The modified aircraft were acquired to support the U.S. State Department's [[Foreign Emergency Support Team]], and have ties to [[special operations]], and the [[United States Intelligence Community|U.S. Intelligence Community]].

The C-32 replaced the [[Boeing C-137 Stratoliner|C-137 Stratoliner]], achieving double the range yet able to land on shorter runways than that aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |title=C-32 |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104518/c-32/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241213203840/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104518/c-32/ |archive-date=2024-12-13 |access-date=2025-01-26 |work=Air Force |language=en-US}}</ref> The C-137 was based on the [[Boeing 707]], and had been in service several decades.

==C-32A==
===Development===
[[File:Air Force One and Air Force Two at Paris Orly.jpg|thumb|A C-32A dwarfed by a [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] at [[Orly Airport|Paris-Orly Airport]], 2009]]The C-32A is the military designation for the Boeing 757-2G4, a variant of the Boeing 757-200, a mid-size, [[Narrow-body aircraft|narrow-body]] [[Twinjet|twin-engine]] [[jet airliner]]—that has been modified for government VIP transport use, including a change to a 45-passenger interior and military avionics.<ref name="factsheet2">[https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104518/c-32/ Air Force C-32 factsheet]. US Air Force, 12 May 2015.</ref> A contract was awarded in August 1996 for four aircraft supplemented by the smaller [[Gulfstream V|C-37A]] and later [[Boeing C-40 Clipper|C-40 Clipper]] to replace the aging fleet of [[Boeing C-137 Stratoliner|VC-137]] aircraft. The first plane was delivered to the [[89th Airlift Wing]]<ref name="factsheet2" /> at [[Andrews Air Force Base]], [[Maryland]] in late June 1998. Additional aircraft were acquired later.

=== Equipment and capabilities ===
The C-32As are painted in the blue and white [[Aircraft livery|livery]], [[vertical stabilizer]] flag, and prominent "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" [[cheatline]] markings developed by [[Raymond Loewy]] at the behest of President [[John F. Kennedy|Kennedy]] for use on [[Air Force One]]. The design is shared with most Special Air Mission aircraft. All of the C-32As are fitted with [[Pratt & Whitney PW2000]] engines and are fitted with [[winglets]] for added fuel economy.

==== Appearance upgrades ====
[[File:Secretary Blinken Prepares to Depart Joint Base Andrews on his First Trip as Secretary of State (51038279141).jpg|thumb|Secretary of State [[Antony Blinken]]  aboard an upgraded C-32A in 2021]]
Throughout the [[Presidency of Barack Obama|Obama]], [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump]], and [[Presidency of Joe Biden|Biden]] administrations, the interiors of the C-32As were slowly refitted with more luxurious accommodations, at a cost of $16 million per aircraft.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|date=August 23, 2018|title=USAF Upgrading Another C-32 'Air Force 2' Interior For $16M, Here's What The First Looks Like|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/23087/usaf-upgrading-another-c-32-air-force-2-interior-for-16m-heres-what-the-first-looks-like |access-date=2021-06-05|website=The Drive|language=en}}</ref> Officially, the work was requested by the Air Force, and is being completed by a division of Boeing at Air Force facilities in Oklahoma. The retrofit includes upgraded and refurbished interior elements throughout, new carpets, lighting, leather seats and wood tables in place of cloth and [[Formica (plastic)|formica]], a complete painting and cleaning, and the replacement of the double-seat configuration with a triple-seat configuration, [[aft]] of Door 3.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Weissgerber|first=Marcus|date=August 16, 2018|title=Pentagon Spending $34M to Make Presidential Jets More Posh|url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2018/08/pentagon-spending-34m-make-presidential-jets-more-posh/150616/ |access-date=2021-08-07|website=Defense One|language=en}}</ref> The refit is controversial, with critics describing the spending as "posh" and "wasteful" and an effort to create "flying palaces", noting that the aircraft are well into the back half of their service lives.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> ''The War Zone'' observed that the spending appears to have little to do with the ability of the aircraft to accomplish its mission, noting that the C-32As have been continuously upgraded with improved communications, avionics, and [[countermeasure]]s throughout their service lives without criticism.<ref name=":4" />

===Operational history===
[[File:Boeing C-32A (757-2G4), USA - Air Force AN0781236.jpg|thumb|left|C-32A at airport terminal in 2005]]
The four C-32As are operated by the [[1st Airlift Squadron]] of the [[89th Airlift Wing]]. They are available for use by the vice-president (using call sign [[Air Force Two]]), the first lady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress (using [[Special Air Mission|SAM]] callsigns).<ref name="factsheet2" /> They are also used by the president (using call sign [[Air Force One]]) if the destination is too small to support the larger [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25As]] or when they are unavailable.<ref name="Onward State2" />

The aircraft also occasionally serves as [[Air Force One]] in place of the larger [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25A]] when the president is traveling to domestic destinations that cannot accommodate the larger [[Boeing 747]]-derived presidential plane or if the latter is simply unavailable,<ref name="Onward State2">{{cite web|last1=Choquette|first1=Stefan|title=University Park Airport Ideal Destination for Slimmer Air Force One|url=https://onwardstate.com/2011/02/04/up-airport-ideal-destination-for-slimmer-air-force-one|access-date=5 February 2021|website=Onward State|date=February 4, 2011 }}</ref> or, as in President Joe Biden's February 2023 [[2023 visit by Joe Biden to Ukraine|trip to Ukraine]], to throw off would-be threats.<ref name="AP">{{cite web|last1=Miller|first1=Zeke|title=Sneaking a president from DC to Kyiv without anyone noticing
|url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-kyiv-politics-74c9de636c489393c86ad115e5cbcb48 |date=21 February 2023|website=Associated Press}}</ref>

==== Incidents ====
[[File:President Trump Travels to Pennsylvania (50516529056).jpg|thumb|Antennae and fairings fitted atop the C-32A in 2019]]
Several C-32As have suffered non-life-threatening equipment failures during VIP flight operations which lead to aircraft returning to Andrews Air Force Base prematurely. In 2018, [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Melania Trump]] and [[United States Secretary of Health and Human Services|Health and Human Services Secretary]] [[Alex Azar]] were aboard a C-32A flying to Philadelphia when smoke filled the cabin shortly after takeoff. Journalists aboard reported being given wet towels to shield their faces from the smoke, and the flight returned to Andrews without further incident.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Bennett|first1=Kate|last2=Cole|first2=Devan|date=October 17, 2018|title=Melania Trump's plane lands safely after 'mechanical issue'|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/17/politics/first-lady-plane-grounded/index.html |access-date=2021-08-07|website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> In 2021, [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Kamala Harris]] was aboard a C-32A en route to [[Guatemala]] when the aircraft was forced to make an emergency return to Andrews over an unspecified equipment failure which delayed the trip but left all passengers and crew unharmed.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Pawlyk|first=Oriana|date=2021-06-08|title=Vice President's Plane Malfunction Casts Light on Air Force C-32 Woes|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2021/06/08/vice-presidents-plane-malfunction-casts-light-air-force-c-32-woes.html |access-date=2021-08-07|website=[[Military.com]]|language=en}}</ref>

===Replacement===
[[File:Air Force One at MSP Airport (50238015382).jpg|thumb|A Boeing C-32 is Air Force One as it lands with President Trump in 2020]]
The Trump administration included $6 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=6000000|start_year=2018}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in its 2018 federal budget proposal to study replacements for the aging C-32A.<ref name="Defense One2">{{cite web|last1=Weisgerber|first1=Marcus|title=Pentagon Wants to Get Started on New Air Force Two and Doomsday Planes|url=http://www.defenseone.com/business/2017/05/pentagon-wants-get-started-new-air-force-two-and-doomsday-planes/138269/ |access-date=24 August 2017|website=[[Defense One]]|date=May 30, 2017 }}</ref> In June 2021, Pentagon leaders in the Biden administration cut funding for the study from its fiscal 2022 budget request. Instead, the Air Force redirected the nominal amount of funding to research and development contracts for three American startup companies: [[Exosonic]] and [[Boom Technology|Boom Supersonic]], which are developing [[Supersonic transport|supersonic passenger jets]]; and [[Hermeus]], which is developing a [[Hypersonic flight|hypersonic passenger aircraft]]. Budget documents state the revised investment “will bolster evaluation and maturation of advanced high speed transport scale aircraft with potential to expand the defense industrial base and serve as C-32A replacements at the appropriate time.”<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Weisgerber |first=Marcus |date=June 1, 2021 |title=Pentagon Shelves Plans for New Air Force Two |url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2021/06/pentagon-shelves-plans-new-air-force-two/174434/ |access-date=2021-06-05 |website=[[Defense One]] |language=en}}</ref> All three programs are many years away from delivery of production aircraft.
[[File:P20210227AS-0572 (51013312242).jpg|thumb|Joe Biden made his first flight as President aboard a C-32A in 2021]]
The C-32A is not planned to leave [[Air Mobility Command]] service until 2040; however, discussion of the aircraft's age has continued, prompted by high-profile reliability issues.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Newdick|first=Thomas|date=June 3, 2021|title='Air Force Two' Replacement Dropped With Funds Redirected To Supersonic Transport Research|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40912/air-force-two-replacement-dropped-with-funds-redirected-to-supersonic-transport-research |access-date=2021-08-07|website=The Drive|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> For the duration the C-32A will remain in the fleet, the Air Force will not pursue investment in the airframe beyond already planned modifications, according to the service's fiscal 2022 budget request.<ref name=":6" /> Boeing (the sole producer which can fulfill [[Buy American Act]] purchasing restrictions for government passenger aircraft) has neglected the [[middle of the market]] since the 757 was discontinued in 2004, repeatedly shelving upgrade plans since 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Katz|first=Benjamin|date=2021-07-13|title=Airbus Soars Past Boeing by Showing Little Mercy to Struggling Customers|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/airbus-boeing-rivals-max-11626189853|access-date=2021-08-07|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> In 2021, the company announced a clean sheet restart of plans for a [[Boeing New Midsize Airplane|successor aircraft]], slated to enter service in the late 2020s.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-01-22|title=Boeing's new CEO orders rethink on key jetliner project|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-boeing-737max-nma-idUKKBN1ZL31J|access-date=2021-11-16}}</ref>

== C-32B Gatekeeper ==
[[File:Boeing C-32B (757-23A), USA - Air Force AN0461772.jpg|thumb|left|A C-32B with [[airstair]] deployed]]
===Role===
The 45-seat C-32B Gatekeeper<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2014|title=Air National Guard 2014 Weapons System Modernization Priorities|url=https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Personal-Staff/Legislative-Liaison/Important-Documents/FileId/60892/ |website=[[United States Air National Guard]]|page=ii}}</ref> provides airlift to the U.S. government's Gate Keeper (GK) mission, a [[special access program]] which provides clandestine support to foreign states through State Department [[Foreign Emergency Support Team]] missions and classified special operations and intelligence missions.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 8, 2020|title=Air National Guard Military Vacancy Announcement|url=https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/careers/Officer-MVAs/2020-083%20Gate%20Keeper%20Air%20Operations%20%20Requirements%20Officer%20Maj%20AFSOC.pdf?ver=2020-04-08-225852-533|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720152641/https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/careers/Officer-MVAs/2020-083%20Gate%20Keeper%20Air%20Operations%20%20Requirements%20Officer%20Maj%20AFSOC.pdf?ver=2020-04-08-225852-533|archive-date=July 20, 2021|website=[[United States Air National Guard]]}}</ref><ref name="b622">{{Cite book |last=Birtles |first=Philip |title=Airliner Color History: Boeing 757 |publisher=[[Zenith Press]] |date=June 1, 2001 |isbn=978-0760311233 |language=En |page=62}}</ref><ref name="C32B2">{{cite web|title=Boeing C-32B - USAF Special Operations|url=http://www.americanspecialops.com/usaf-special-operations/aircraft/boeing-c-32b/|access-date=19 March 2021|website=www.americanspecialops.com}}</ref> The aircraft are operated by two different units, the [[New Jersey Air National Guard|New Jersey]] Air National Guard's [[150th Special Operations Squadron]] at [[Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst|Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst]], New Jersey, and the [[486th Flight Test Squadron]] at [[Eglin Air Force Base]], Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|title=COL. JOHN M. COSGROVE|url=https://www.108thwing.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1426149/col-john-m-cosgrove/|access-date=2021-07-20|website=[[United States Air National Guard]]|language=en-US|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720155508/https://www.108thwing.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1426149/col-john-m-cosgrove/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=United States General Accounting Office |title=Combating terrorism interagency framework and agency programs to address the overseas threat. |date=2003 |publisher=DIANE Publishing |isbn=978-1-4289-3944-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fxK_V93uXakC&pg=PA197 |page=197 |language=en}}</ref> The C-32Bs operate at the direction of the Commander of [[United States Special Operations Command|U.S. Special Operations Command]], though when serving a civilian agency, approval for the use of the aircraft is on the recommendation of the committee of [[United States Deputy Secretary of Defense|Deputy Secretaries of Defense]] with the consent of the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]].{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} The development of the two aircraft emerged from the 2001 Air Force budget, where they were procured for $144.963 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=144963000|start_year=2001}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) to fill an Air Force request for transportation capabilities for the [[Foreign Emergency Support Team|Foreign]] and [[Domestic Emergency Support Team|Domestic]] Emergency Support Teams.<ref name=":2" /> The Gate Keeper mission predates the aircraft, which are successors to previous fleets based on other models of aircraft. The planes have been spotted throughout the world, including such locations as [[Area 51]] and the [[Tonopah Test Range]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|date=October 9, 2020|title=Secretive Tonopah Test Range Airport Had A Mysteriously Busy Week In September|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36968/secretive-tonopah-test-range-airport-had-a-mysteriously-busy-week-in-september |access-date=2020-10-25|website=The Drive}}</ref> The C-32B became known during the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|George W. Bush administration]] for unsubstantiated theories which circulated that they were connected to the CIA's [[extraordinary rendition]] flights, giving them the onetime nickname “torture taxi.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|date=May 19, 2011|title=Have you ever seen a 757 air to air refuel? YOU HAVE NOW!|url=http://aviationintel.com/have-you-ever-seen-a-757-air-to-air-refuel-you-have-now/|access-date=2021-07-16|website=Aviation Intel|language=en-US|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717000842/http://aviationintel.com/have-you-ever-seen-a-757-air-to-air-refuel-you-have-now/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Equipment and capabilities ===
[[File:C32-B_air_to_air_UARRSI.jpg|thumb|A C-32B during [[aerial refueling]], viewed from a [[McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender|KC-10]]]]

The C-32Bs serve as on-call global transport. They differ significantly from their VIP-carrying counterparts, outfitted with advanced communications and designed for ultra long-range capability. Most cargo must be stored in the rear of the aircraft as enlarged fuel tanks replace much of the below-deck cargo hold, extending the aircraft's unrefueled maximum range to {{convert|6000|nmi|mi km|lk=on|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":02" /> The craft also have an [[aerial refueling]] capability via an unmarked, unilluminated conformal Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) located atop the [[fuselage]], {{Convert|9|ft|m}} behind the cockpit windows, allowing the planes to remain airborne nearly indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2008|title=Aerial Refueling - Fixed Wing Receivers - PART 5, ANNEX Z: National Annex - United States of America|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafiles/8161b63e_1143_ec82_2e937cbe224e97af.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081107032221/http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafcms/mediafiles/8161b63e_1143_ec82_2e937cbe224e97af.pdf|archive-date=November 7, 2008|website=[[British Royal Air Force]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2008|title=Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) Boeing C-32B (757-23A) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ|url=https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/foreign-emergency-support-team-fest-boeing-c-32b-757-23a/view/google/ |access-date=2020-10-25|website=Virtual Globetrotting|language=en}}</ref> The aircraft are also fitted with an [[airstair]] allowing passengers to deplane without access to a [[jet bridge]] or [[Ground support equipment|stair truck]], a heavy and uncommon modification in modern commercial aviation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jacobson|first=James A.|author-link=James A. Jacobson|date=July 27, 2020|title=Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B Volume 2|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2c-32bv2/afman11-2c-32bv2.pdf# |website=[[United States Air Force]]|pages=41–42}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Boeing 757 Integral Airstairs - Airliners.net|url=https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=749305|access-date=2021-06-05|website=www.airliners.net}}</ref> For additional support in austere environments, the aircraft are also fitted with a winch-based baggage loading system, designed to load baggage at airfields that do not have adequate material handling equipment available.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|last=Kelly|first=Mark D.|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2c-32bv3/afman11-2c-32bv3.pdf|title=Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B|publisher=[[United States Air Force]]|year=2020|pages=85|author-link=Mark D. Kelly}}</ref>

In 2014, the C-32Bs received audio and visual equipment upgrades, in addition to installation of upgraded satellite communications systems and secure Ku bandwidth communications management systems to replace commercial-grade [[Inmarsat]] installations, in use since 2002.<ref name=":1" /> Around the same time, the craft acquired an additional protruding fairing on the roof of the rear of the craft.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST)|url=https://www.state.gov/foreign-emergency-support-team/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=United States Department of State|language=en}}</ref> Similar modifications have appeared on the C-32As, the presidential [[Boeing VC-25|VC-25As]], the [[Boeing E-4|E-4B]] and [[Boeing E-6 Mercury|E-6]] “doomsday planes”, and the [[Battlefield Airborne Communications Node|E-11A BACN]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|date=May 22, 2017|title="Air Force One" Jet Reemerges With Upgraded Communications For World Trip|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/10470/air-force-one-jet-reemerges-with-upgraded-communications-for-world-trip |access-date=2021-06-11|website=The Drive|language=en}}</ref> The protrusion reportedly houses [[Northrop Grumman]]’s Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL), a [[Ka band|Ka]] and [[Ku band|Ku]] band telecommunications suite designed for war zones but which has proved to be just as relevant over a disaster zone as a battlefield.<ref name=":0" /> The system functions as a flying wireless router and server, providing communications where traditional communications infrastructure is unavailable.<ref name=":0" /> Budget requests show that around 2016 the cockpit avionics were upgraded to include [[Head-up display|head up displays]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2016|title=Weapons Systems Modernization Priorities 2016|url=https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/ang_priorities_books/AFD-160404-028.pdf |website=[[United States Air National Guard]]}}</ref> Depot level maintenance on the C-32B is performed by [[Big Safari]] (the 645th Aeronautical Systems Squadron).<ref name="Big Safari">{{Cite book|last=Kelly|first=Mark D.|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2c-32bv3/afman11-2c-32bv3.pdf|title=Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B|publisher=[[United States Air Force]]|year=2020|pages=17|author-link=Mark D. Kelly}}</ref>

According to Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B (2020), at least two members of the C-32B aircrew are always armed.<ref name=":9" />

===Airframes===
[[File:FEST board C-32 for Beirut.webp|thumb|The [[Foreign Emergency Support Team]] boarding a C-32B to respond to the [[2020 Beirut explosion]]]]

There are two C-32B aircraft as of 2021: 00-9001 and 02-4452.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021|title=Air National Guard Priorities Mod Book 2021|url=https://www.ang.af.mil/Portals/77/documents/ang_priorities_books/2021%20Mod%20Book.pdf?ver=gl9iF62lvZpJEDJH5NIhlA%3d%3d |website=[[United States Air National Guard]]|page=66}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Air Force|first=U.S.|date=February 1, 2000|title=USAF Committee Staff Procurement Backup Book FY 2001 Amended Budget Request|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/budget/fy2001/usaf/acprocvol1.pdf |website=Global Security}}</ref> At times the [[Air National Guard]] has appeared to deny the existence of one of the two aircraft. The 2012 edition of the National Guard's Weapons System Modernization Priorities report states "the 150th Special Operations Squadron of the New Jersey Air National Guard operates the C-32B from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ and is the ''only'' U.S Air Force C-32B", while all prior and successive editions describe a need to support upgrades to two aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012|title=FY 2012 Budget Justification: Volume One, Operation and Maintainence|url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/defbudget/fy2012/budget_justification/pdfs/01_Operation_and_Maintenance/O_M_VOL_1_PARTS/O_M_VOL_1_BASE_PARTS/SOCOM_OP-5 |website=Comptroller of the U.S. Department of Defense}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Both planes are painted gloss white, and lack any recognizable external markings other than serial numbers, although they have been spotted with "United States Air Force" emblazoned on the [[cheatline]] and the Air Force [[roundel]] on the tail section of the [[fuselage]] at times,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ferro|first=Daniel|date=January 1, 2020|title=C32B Rota Spain|url=https://twitter.com/gibdan1/status/1212474385426272256 |access-date=2020-10-26|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref> and solely a small American flag on the same area of the rear fuselage at other times.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Fisherbray|date=February 10, 2015|title=Boeing C32B|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/fisherbray/16504024556 }}</ref> There are only two identified visual differences between the two aircraft: one has larger emergency ramp openings under the doorsills, and one has the rearward window removed from the forward bank of windows on the starboard side.<ref>{{Citation|last=dcspotter|title=02-5001 - Spot the difference vs the next photo|date=2018-09-30|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/dcspotter/43199284150/|access-date=2021-11-25}}</ref> Both planes are known for adopting a range of different [[N-number|serial numbers]] on a regular basis to confuse their activities and identities. Numbers appearing on the aircraft in the past have included: 00-9001,<ref>{{Cite web|last=De Jong|first=Peter|date=August 24, 2016|title=Aircraft Photo of 00-9001 / 09001|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/35589/00-9001/09001 |access-date=2021-06-21|website=AirHistory.net|language=en}}</ref> 98-6006,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lofting|first=Chris|date=August 26, 2017|title=Aircraft Photo of 98-6006 / 86006|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/310831/98-6006/86006 |access-date=2021-06-21|website=AirHistory.net|language=en}}</ref> 99-6143,<ref>{{Citation|last=CanAmJetz|title=99-6143 Boeing C-32B 25491 EHAM|date=2019-05-03|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/146108410@N07/32840632657/|access-date=2021-06-21}}</ref> 02-5001,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Plomitzer|first=Gerhard|date=November 10, 2018|title=Aircraft Photo of 02-5001 / 25001|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/255744/02-5001/25001 |access-date=2021-06-21|website=AirHistory.net|language=en}}</ref> and 02-4452.<ref>{{Cite web|last=De Jong|first=Peter|date=June 3, 2005|title=Aircraft Photo of 02-4452 / 24452|url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/121911/02-4452/24452 |access-date=2021-06-21|website=AirHistory.net|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Boeing C-32B, United States - US Air Force (USAF) JP6248406.jpg|left|thumb|C-32B on the tarmac]]
The true identity of the older of the two aircraft is MSN 25493/523 (02-4452), originally delivered to [[Ansett Worldwide]] as N59AW on 26 February 1993, it saw service with [[ATA Airlines|ATA airlines]] as 84WA before shuffling through private brokers, and ultimately being sold to the Air Force by Kodiak Associates LLC in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Registration Details For N84WA (Kodiak Associates LLC) 757-23A|url=http://www.planelogger.com/Aircraft/Registration/N84WA/531037?seo=757-23A_Kodiak%20Associates%20LLC|website=PlaneLogger}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=US Air Force 02-4452 (Boeing 757 - MSN 25493) (Ex N312SF N512AT N59AW N757AV N84WA ) {{!}} Airfleets aviation|url=https://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-b757-25493.htm|access-date=2021-06-21|website=www.airfleets.net}}</ref> The later aircraft is MSN 25494/611 (00-9001), delivered to [[Avianca]] as N987AN on April 22, 1994,<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Air Force 00-9001 (Boeing 757 - MSN 25494) (Ex N987AN ) {{!}} Airfleets aviation|url=https://www.airfleets.net/ficheapp/plane-b757-25494.htm|access-date=2021-06-21|website=www.airfleets.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Plomitzer|first=Gerhard|date=June 30, 2020|title=02-5001 {{!}} Boeing C-32B|url=https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9769328 |access-date=2021-06-21|website=JetPhotos|language=en}}</ref> it passed through the hands of [[Raytheon]] [[E-Systems]] before Air Force purchase in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|title=Registration Details For N987AN (Avianca) 757-23A|url=http://www.planelogger.com/Aircraft/Registration/N987AN/531039?seo=757-23A_Avianca|website=PlaneLogger}}</ref> Both aircraft are powered by [[Rolls-Royce RB211]] engines, rather than the Pratt & Whitney PW2000 used on the C-32A.
Sparsely marked secretive white 757s often conflated with the C-32B include [[Comco|N226G and N610G]], a pair of 757s operated by  [[L3Harris Technologies|L3Harris]] subsidiary L-3 Capital.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-01-12|title=N610G COMCO|url=https://discussions.flightaware.com/t/n610g-comco/873/17|access-date=2021-11-25|website=FlightAware Discussions|language=en}}</ref> The aircraft have been observed operating with various tail numbers, and previously featured the text "COMCO" in prominent black lettering on the tail, later replaced by a conservative blue swoosh design.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What Is Comco? - Airliners.net|url=https://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=369809|access-date=2021-07-17|website=www.airliners.net}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Citation|last=Jim|title=N226G|date=2017-10-20|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/154446353@N02/38075341851/|access-date=2021-11-25}}</ref> The near identical equipment of the so-called [[Comco|COMCO]] aircraft, including airstair,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aviation Photo #1011900: Boeing 757-23A - Comco|url=https://www.airliners.net/photo/Comco/Boeing-757-23A/1011900|access-date=2021-11-25|website=Airliners.net}}</ref> Rolls-Royce engines,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noordenne|first=Marcel van|title=25491 – MvN's Boeing 757 Website|date=May 17, 2015 |url=https://www.b757.info/25491/|access-date=2021-11-25|language=en-US}}</ref> roof communications fairing,<ref name=":8" /> and an unexplained rectangular modification applied to the fuselage of both aircraft<ref>{{Citation|last=planephotoman|title=What's This?|date=2008-06-16|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/planephotoman/2585885652/|access-date=2021-11-25}}</ref> have fueled rumors that they are in fact C-32Bs with hasty paint or decals applied, however such claims have never been substantiated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=USAF C32B/B757-200 96143 - FighterControl|url=https://www.fightercontrol.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=136002|access-date=2021-11-25|website=www.fightercontrol.co.uk}}</ref> Other similar aircraft include N119NA and N874TW, a pair of 757s based at [[Richmond International Airport]], acquired by the [[United States Department of Justice|U.S. Department of Justice]] in 2015 displaying an American flag on their tail and are distinguished from the C-32B by their winglets.

==Operators==
;{{Multiple image
| direction = vertical
| total_width = 105
| image1 = 1st Airlift Squadron.jpg
| image2 = 468 FTS patch.jpg
| image3 = 150 Special Operations Sq emblem.png
| caption3 = Insignia of the respective C-32 operators
}}{{USA}}
* '''C-32A'''
** [[United States Air Force]]
***[[89th Airlift Wing]]
**** [[1st Airlift Squadron]] – [[Joint Base Andrews]], [[Maryland]]
* '''C-32B'''
**[[United States Air Force]]
***[[96th Test Wing]]
****[[486th Flight Test Squadron]] – [[Eglin Air Force Base]], [[Florida]]
** [[New Jersey Air National Guard]]
*** [[108th Wing]]
**** [[150th Air Refueling Squadron|150th Special Operations Squadron]] – [[Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst]], [[New Jersey]]<ref name="108th Wing Fact Sheet2">{{cite web|title=108th Wing Fact Sheet|url=https://www.108thwing.ang.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/864202/108th-wing-fact-sheet/|website=U.S. Air Force}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Moriarty|first=Rick|date=2016-08-04|title=Mysterious plane that visited Syracuse is part of secretive military unit|url=https://www.newyorkupstate.com/central-ny/2016/08/mysterious_plane_at.html |access-date=2021-06-08|website=NYupstate|language=en}}</ref>

==Specifications ==
[[File:Boeing 757-200 silhouette.svg|thumb|757-200]]
=== C-32A ===
{{Aircraft specs|ref=[[Jane's All the World's Aircraft]] 2003-04,<ref name=JAWA2003-04>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2003-04 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2003 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon, Surrey, United Kingdom |isbn=0-7106-2537-5 |edition=94th |pages=569–571}}</ref> USAF Museum factsheet<ref name="factsheet2" />|ferry range nmi=|max speed mach=0.86 (M<sub>MO</sub>)<br>
*'''Cruising speed:''' Mach 0.8
*'''Approach speed:''' {{cvt|137|kn|mph km/h|0}}
*'''Initial cruising height:''' {{cvt|35400|ft|0}}|cruise speed kts=|cruise speed note=|stall speed kts=|stall speed note=|never exceed speed kts=|never exceed speed note=|minimum control speed kts=|minimum control speed note=|range nmi=5650|range note=|ferry range note=|max speed kts=526|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->|ceiling ft=42000|ceiling note=|climb rate ftmin=|climb rate note=|time to altitude=|wing loading lb/sqft=127.88|wing loading note=|fuel consumption lb/mi=|thrust/weight=0.314|more performance=
*'''Take-off field length:''' {{cvt|7800|ft|0}} at sea level {{cvt|29|C|F|0}}
*'''Landing field length:''' {{cvt|5100|ft|0}} at MLW|max speed note=|eng1 lbf=40100
<!--
        Performance
-->|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->|wing area sqft=185.25|crew=2 + 1 jump seat + 13 mission crew|capacity=45|length ft=155|length in=3|length note=|span ft=124|span in=10|span note=|height ft=44|height in=3|height note=at MTOW|wing area note=|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->|airfoil=|empty weight lb=128730|empty weight note=OWE
*'''Maximum zero-fuel weight:''' {{cvt|186000|lb|0}} MZFW|gross weight lb=|gross weight note=|max takeoff weight lb=256000|max takeoff weight note=MTOW
*'''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|210000|lb|0}} MLW|fuel capacity={{cvt|13334|USgal|impgal l|0}} with auxiliary tanks in fwd and aft cargo holds|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->|eng1 number=2|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney PW2000]]-40<ref>{{cite web |title=PW2000 - Pratt & Whitney |url=https://prattwhitney.com/products-and-services/products/commercial-engines/pw2000 |access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>}}

=== C-32B ===
{{Aircraft specs|ref=Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B, Volume 3 (2020)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jacobson|first=James A.|author-link=James A. Jacobson|date=July 27, 2020|title=Air Force Manual 11-2C-32B, Volume 3|url=https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/publication/afman11-2c-32bv3/afman11-2c-32bv3.pdf# |website=[[United States Air Force]]}}</ref>|ferry range nmi=|max speed mach=0.86 (M<sub>MO</sub>)<br>
*'''Cruising speed:''' Mach 0.8
*'''Approach speed:''' {{cvt|137|kn|mph km/h|0}}
*'''Initial cruising height:''' {{cvt|35400|ft|0}}|cruise speed kts=|cruise speed note=|stall speed kts=|stall speed note=|never exceed speed kts=|never exceed speed note=|minimum control speed kts=|minimum control speed note=|range nmi=|range note=|ferry range note=|max speed kts=526|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->|ceiling ft=42000|ceiling note=|climb rate ftmin=|climb rate note=|time to altitude=|wing loading lb/sqft=127.88|wing loading note=|fuel consumption lb/mi=|thrust/weight=0.314|more performance=
*'''Take-off field length:''' {{cvt|5000|ft|0}} at sea level {{cvt|29|C|F|0}}
*'''Landing field length:''' {{cvt|5000|ft|0}} at MLW|max speed note=|eng1 lbf=40100
<!--
        Performance
-->|prime units?=kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->|wing area sqft=185.25|crew=2 + 1 jump seat + mission crew|capacity=unknown|length ft=155|length in=3|length note=|span ft=124|span in=10|span note=|height ft=44|height in=3|height note=at MTOW|wing area note=|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->|airfoil=|empty weight lb=|empty weight note=
*'''Maximum zero-fuel weight:''' {{cvt|186000|lb|0}} MZFW|gross weight lb=|gross weight note=|max takeoff weight lb=256000|max takeoff weight note=MTOW
*'''Maximum landing weight:''' {{cvt|210000|lb|0}} MLW|fuel capacity=unknown, with auxiliary tanks and aerial refueling capabilities|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->|eng1 number=2|eng1 name=[[Rolls-Royce RB211]]-535E4
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
*[[Douglas DC-2|Douglas C-32]] (Military designation for DC-2 in older naming system)
|related=
* [[Boeing 757]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Boeing VC-25]]
* [[Boeing C-40 Clipper]]
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Boeing C-32}}

* [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104518/c-32/ U.S. Air Force C-32 factsheet]. US Air Force, 12 May 2015.
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0XVjOG7Ebg Footage of a C-32B being refueled in flight]
{{Boeing 757/767 family}}
{{Boeing support aircraft}}
{{Boeing model numbers}}
{{US transport aircraft}}
{{U.S. presidential call signs}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing C-32}}
[[Category:Boeing aircraft|C-132]]
[[Category:1990s United States military transport aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Boeing 757]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1998]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]