White house aide quits over Air Force One stunt

A top White House aide resigned for his role in the Presidential aircraft’s $328,835 photo-opportunity flyover above New York City that sparked panic and flashbacks to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The sight of the huge passenger jet and an F-16 fighter plane flying past the Statue of Liberty and the tall office buildings in lower Manhattan’s financial district sent panicked office workers streaming into the streets on April 27.

US President Barack Obama said it would not happen again.

Louis Caldera said the controversy had made it impossible for him to effectively lead the White House Military Office.

“Moreover, it has become a distraction in the important work you are doing as president,” Mr Caldera said in his resignation letter to President Barack Obama.

Mr Caldera’s office approved the photo-op, which cost $35,000 in fuel alone for the plane and two jet fighter escorts. The Air Force estimated the photo shoot cost taxpayers $328,835.

White House officials said the flight was designed to update the official photo of the plane, known as Air Force One when the president is aboard.

The White House released a photo of the blue-and-white plane high above the Statue of Liberty, with New Jersey in the background.

The White House released the report late via e-mail, with a short written statement from White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.

Mr Caldera, a former Army secretary, headed the office that coordinates presidential travel on Air Force jets.

When Mr Obama appointed Mr Caldera to the job during the presidential transition, the then president-elect hailed Mr Caldera as having a resume that was second-to-none.

Mr Obama said then: “I know he’ll bring to the White House the same dedication and integrity that have earned him the highest praise in every post.”