Incredible Air Force One Landing: Historic Moffett Federal AirField
Updated: Aug 28
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TL;DR / Quick Summary
The Scoop & Setup: After getting a tip from a local aviation photographer, I loaded up my bike in the Jeep Gladiator, pedaled out along the San Francisco Bay Trail, and set up a makeshift observation deck on an old construction trailer.
The Big Moment: Captured dramatic, up-close photos and video footage of the President’s Boeing 747 (Air Force One) touching down on Moffett Field’s 9,000+ foot runway.
Historic & Modern Backdrops: Followed the aircraft taxiing past iconic Bay Area landmarks, including the historic Hangar 1, NASA Ames' massive wind tunnel, and the innovative Google Bay View campus.
Behind-the-Scenes Security: Documented the surrounding high-security operation, including airborne surveillance choppers, trail security, and Secret Service escort SUVs leading to the Marine One transfer.
What You Will Learn In This Post
Ever wonder what it takes to capture one of the most famous aircraft in the world touching down right in the heart of Silicon Valley? In this post, you will follow my firsthand experience transitioning from off-road adventurer to first-time plane spotter.
You’ll discover how a casual bicycle encounter on the San Francisco Bay Trail turned into an insider tip, leading to an impromptu mission with a camera, a tripod, and an abandoned construction trailer serving as the ultimate observation deck.
You will also get an exclusive visual tour of historic Moffett Federal Airfield (NUQ) as the President's modified Boeing 747 lands and taxis across the tarmac. Along the way, we’ll highlight the fascinating backdrop of the airfield—from the legendary skeleton and restoration of dirigible Hangar 1 and the world’s largest NASA Ames wind tunnel, to modern architectural marvels like the Google Bay View campus where I previously worked in sheet metal construction.
Finally, you’ll get a close-up look at the serious logistics and security protocols that accompany Air Force One. From pre-landing helicopter sweeps and watchful security teams along the Bay Trail to black Secret Service SUVs pacing the jet toward its final parking spot for the Marine One transfer, this post breaks down the entire unforgettable touchdown step-by-step.
Air Force One Scheduled To Land At Moffett Field: I Was Going To Be There To Video It
A plane spotter tipped me off. Air Force One was to land at Moffett Federal Airfield. Aviation Photography? This would be my first attempt. I quickly became a aviation enthusiast. This is my aircraft spotting story and a some personal experience I have with working at and recreating around Moffett Field.
Historic Moffett Field ( NUQ) On San Francisco Bay
This Google Earth Video shows the general location, dirigible hangars and runways of Moffett. Airport Code NUQ.
Getting In Position: The San Francisco Bay Trail
I have ridden this trail so many times for recreation and commuting from Stanford to my then home in San Jose. I've experienced it at all times of year and many different conditions. I think it is pretty unique for how it takes you out into the Bay.
Air Force One Scheduled For Landing 19:30 Hours Moffett Federal Airbase
Threw my bike in the back of the Jeep Gladiator and headed to Mountain View. Parked the Jeep and jumped on my bike. Getting to the best video spot required about a 3 mile bike ride. Had to be ready when Air Force One approached for landing.
Old Construction Trailer: This Would Be My Observation Deck
Set my tripod up on this old trailer. It raised me just high enough to get great video.
This was my first time "Plane Spotting." Air Force One landing at Moffett Field is a semi-rare event.
View From The Trailer - My Observation Platform
From here I could see Hangars 1,2,3 and the runway. I was unsure which direction the President's 747 would approach from. I stayed vigilant.
Chopper Keeping A Eye On Moffett Before AF1 Touched Down
This chopper circled Moffett while I was waiting. I'm sure they took a good look at me on the trailer. Many folks passed by me on the Bay Trail. Some must have been Secret Service or other security personnel.
Air Force One Touches Down: Magnificent Moment
With a runway over 9000' long and me at the other end, I have to say my Iphone did pretty well getting this photo. Puff of smoke from the wheels hitting the tarmac and nose gear still in the air.
Backdrop Is Hangar 1: Historic Dirigible Hangar That Can Be Seen From Space
Hangar 1 at Moffett had the old skin removed. There was a mass of toxic stuff used in the original construction. Sat for years as a skeleton. In this photo it is in the process of being re-covered. Photos below are from when I worked at Moffett and from the Bay Trail. Skin removed.
Hangar One At Moffett No Skin Hangar One Moffett Field Hangar One From SF Bay
Air Force One Taxis Towards End Of Runway: Google Bay View Building Visible In Background
Moffett is a "Joint Military Civilian" base. Google have a 100 year lease on land at Moffett. It is home to the Massive and unique Google Bay View Buildings.
Google Bay View Construction Google Bay View Google Bay View Google Bay View
Google Bay View At Moffett Field: Various Stages Of Construction
I have many years working in construction and never saw a project being put together like this building. Roof constructed at lower level and raised into position.
Google Bayview Completed
This is a better view of the building that is behind Air Force One in the picture above. I rode the SF Bay Trail for recreation passing Google Bay View for years while under construction. Eventually I went to work on it. My trade is Sheet Metal.
180 Degree Turn And On Its Way To Other End Of Moffett Field
A setting sun bathes the Presidents 747 in sunlight as it makes its way to park at the South End of Moffett Field. Information on the history of Presidents and airplanes is available at this website.
2 Secret Service Vehicle Start Following Air Force One On The Tarmac
Photo above is the closest Air Force One got to me. Probably 100 to 150 meters away. It is a massive and beautiful airplane. I was very impressed. That is when 2 Black SUVs fell in behind and started following.
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Passing The Largest Wind Tunnel In The World
The (Nasa) Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Moffett is the largest in the world. Used for civilian and military purposes. In the photo above Air Force One has just passed it.
Moffett Field Is Notable For The Immense Size Of Various Facilities And Buildings If Nothing Else
Air Force One Passes Hangar One: This Time Heading The Other Direction
Air Force One Parked: Ready For The President To Board Marine One
From Moffett the President would use Marine One to travel to his destination. Marine Helicopter Squadron 1 is the official designation for the helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing planes that are used to transport him and his entourage.
Conclusion: Accidental Plane Spotter And Videographer
I happened to meet a aviation photographer while I was cycling on the San Francisco Bay Trail. He was plane spotting at Moffett Field. A conversation ensued, we exchanged information, I told him I was a Youtuber. He gave me the heads up when Air Force One would be landing. I showed up at the proper time and got some awesome video of the President's 747 landing at Moffett Field.
I am Overlander, camper, traveler of the desert and mountains. This was a completely different experience. Seeing Air Force One was a entirely different type of thrill. I don't know if I can top Air Force One but I will keep plane spotting and gathering video.
Where is Moffett Federal Airfield?
About the Author
Muddy Ruttzz is a digital creator, overlander, and DIY builder documenting rugged vehicle builds and outdoor adventures. Backed by a career in industrial sheet metal fabrication, heavy infrastructure construction, and mechanical maintenance, he provides practical, trade-tested technical guides for real-world off-road performance.
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