I'm trying to learn more about flight attendants, specifically those who might have served on presidential/diplomatic/official government flights. By doing some Google-searching, I see that you have to be in the Air Force now to become a steward or stewardess onboard Air Force One. Was this true back in the 60s as well? Were there female stewardesses on Air Force One? And if so, how did they get the job?
Currently, all flight attendants on Air Force One are members of the 89th Airlift Wing based at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. I am not sure; however, of the history of the program though, good question!
I am pretty sure that the stewards and stewardesses were at first Navy Stewards, at least I recall hearing these old Mess Specialists fron back in the Navy days (87 to95) compaining about how they had to manualy empty the toilet tanks on aircraftt out on the flightline when they were stewards, before they converted to being cooks.they said all the grunt work like that was done by members of the by then decomissioned rating.I know the same Master Chief was the head steward on Air Force one for like 25 or so years.I do not recal his rating though.You could probaby find out in some Navy or Air force history site.