In 1986, the U.S. Air Force spent $600,000 — over $1.6 million in 2023 dollars — to operate a luxurious private jet exclusively for top generals in the Strategic Air Command.
Sen. William Proxmire, a Democrat from Wisconsin, gave the Air Force his Golden Fleece Award for this wholly unnecessary spending.
According to Proxmire, the jets only purpose was to “make sure Air Force Brass get a pampered, better than first class ride when they fly around the country and overseas.”
About 66% of the time, the jet was used to fly Strategic Air Command commanders and Air Force VIPs around the country, while the rest of the flights were to train the crew. The aircraft was a converted KC-135A tanker jet, and boasted a 13-person crew of pilots and flight attendants ready 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, though it was only used about once or twice a month.
Amenities on the aircraft included $2,283 worth of luxury carpeting, vinyl wall coverings with hanging pictures, custom built passenger tables, cabinets, trim, and moldings, and an enhanced galley with an oven, ice box, microwave oven, double sink, and cabinets, costing $6,000.
As Proxmire noted then, “If an enlisted man has to fly anywhere, it’s likely to be in the bucket seat of a cargo plane, tourist class, or space available. But if you’re a SAC general, the sky’s the limit in making sure you get a comfortable ride.”
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