FINAL TRIP: 'Special Air Mission 41' prepares to transport former President George H.W Bush

HOUSTON – President Donald Trump sent Air Force One to Houston to transport former President George H.W. Bush's casket to Washington, D.C.

The plane – called “Special Air Mission 41” while carrying the casket - arrived at Ellington Airport on Sunday afternoon and will take the former president on his last trip to the nation’s capital.

Officials held what appeared to be a dry run in preparation for moving Bush's casket to D.C. ahead of Monday’s flight. 

The plane is expected to take off around 10:30 a.m. Monday and will transport the late president’s body and several family members to the capital where Bush's body will lay in state at the Capitol Rotunda after an arrival ceremony.

The public is invited and can pay their respects from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.

The casket will return to Houston on Wednesday afternoon, where it will be transferred to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for a public viewing will be held from Wednesday evening until 6 a.m. Thursday.

The White House said President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump plan to attend the funeral service Thursday in Houston.

After all the services and viewing, the body will take one final trip to be laid to rest next to his late wife Barbara Bush and their daughter Robin at the Presidential Library in College Station.


About the Author:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.