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On 9/11, Nebraskans looked up and saw Air Force One. Why George W. Bush came to Offutt
Bush met with Cheney and national security advisers in a bunker as officials worked to keep command and control after the attacks.
- On September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush arrived at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska following terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
- Concerns about the president's safety and need for secure communication prompted the move to an underground bunker at U.S. Strategic Command, where Bush held a critical videoconference with Vice President Dick Cheney and national security advisers.
- Aboard Air Force One, Bush told staffers a "terrorist keeping me out of Washington" necessitated the detour, while Army officer Mark Kyriss recalled the president working to "break the ice" with military personnel.
- During the videoconference, Bush conveyed his belief that the U.S. government would make those responsible pay a "steep price" and would make no distinction regarding nations harboring the attackers.
- Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns and Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson later reflected on the national unity that followed, emphasizing the command center's vital role in maintaining military deterrence during the crisis.
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31 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution87% Center
Bias Distribution
- 87% of the sources are Center
87% Center
13%
C 87%
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