Former Marine One pilot serves at Robins | Military | Macon.com

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE — It’s probably fair to say that Lt. Col. David Steele is one of the top helicopter pilots in the Marine Corps, considering that the commander in chief has been a passenger.

Today, Steele leads Marine Aircraft Group Detachment A at Robins. But from 2004 to 2008, he was a pilot for Marine One during President George W. Bush’s second term.

Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which has about 70 pilots, is responsible for flying not only the president but other top officials and visiting heads of state. Steele once flew Pope Benedict XVI.

“It was an honor to serve in that capacity,” Steele said. “You do get to see the political side of things.”

While military members aren’t allowed to take sides in politics, Steele had kind words to say about how Bush treated members of the squadron.

via Former Marine One pilot serves at Robins | Military | Macon.com.