Melania Trump makes a historic flight in a military aircraft sharing a video from the cockpit
Melania Trump became the first First Lady to fly in a certain military aircraft on Wednesday. She shared the unique experience on social media.
On the last leg of her busy week of events, Trump went to see military families where she high-fived kids and asked them what they wanted for Christmas.
She was also treated to a ride on a military plane called the V-22 Osprey. The warcraft toured over Virginia and the Atlantic Ocean. On Twitter, the first lady shared a clip of her view from above. It is found below.
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An incredible flight today on a V-22 to visit the service members aboard the USS George HW Bush. Thank you to ALL who serve! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ylRIl37qwa
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) December 12, 2018
According to CNN, Trump is the only first lady to enter the aircraft. Her predecessors have traditionally boarded the Marine One alongside their husbands.
The 48-year-old was flown from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington to Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton Virginia and back.
The tour wrapped up her five-hour day of events which included a meet-and-greet among military families in Virginia.
Wonderful to be in Hangar 789 with many service members & their families at @JBLEnews! Our prayers remain with all those serving overseas this Christmas. God Bless you all! #USA pic.twitter.com/MkCeZlB23k
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) December 13, 2018
There, the first lady gave an appreciation speech to servicemembers numbering about 600. She shared the age of the base as being "more than 100 years old" and having a "long history of excellence."
She said:
"I also learned that the airmen and soldiers in this room have stepped up after natural disasters, like Hurricane Michael, and that many of you have recently returned home from deployment. I am honored to be able to say welcome home and thank you for answering the call of duty."
An incredible day spending time with our men and women in uniform on USS George H.W. Bush. Thank you for your sacrifice & service! #USA pic.twitter.com/WWncNQfiMj
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) December 13, 2018
She added:
"I want you all to know the president and I are so grateful and have unconditional appreciation for all that you do. This administration will always stand with the men and women of the United States armed forces."
Military personnel also gave Trump a tour of the F-22 Raptor fighter jet belonging to the Air Force's stealth fleet.
We are off to visit some of our brave men & women in uniform today & thank them for their service. I’ll be visiting Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Joint Base Langley-Eustis & the #USSGeorgeHWBush aircraft carrier today. Looking forward to meeting everyone! #USA pic.twitter.com/XrYsFyItJJ
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) December 12, 2018
Closed to the media was her tour of the USS George H.W. Bush carrier. The warship, named after the 41st president, takes off and lands like a helicopter. It measures 1,092 feet long and travels long distances.
Prior to her busy Wednesday, the first lady worked with Karen Pence and cabinet secretaries' spouses at the American Red Cross on Tuesday.
As the holiday season begins, we remember all our brave men and women serving overseas. Honored to join @SecondLady at the @RedCross this morning to make comfort kits for our troops currently deployed. Thank you for your service! pic.twitter.com/zlrZBmkLBI
— Melania Trump 45 Archived (@FLOTUS45) November 27, 2018
The women assisted volunteers in preparing military comfort kits for overseas troops. They put items like playing cards, toiletries, and even snacks in the packages.
According to Trump, the gifts are "one small way that we can say thank you and honor the sacrifices that members of the military make year-round."