By the time George W. Bush took office in January 2001, the nuclear Football had been an instrument of presidential control of nuclear weapons for more than 40 years. The following photographs, released by the Bush LIbrary in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, illustrate how the Football and the military aide who carried it had become a routine element of presidential travel. The Bush Library identified most, but not all, of the Football carriers shown in the photographs. Any readers who can provide additional identifying information are encouraged to contact the National Security Archive.
Photo 1: Military Aide Major Paul Montanus carries the Football to Marine One, deployed to the South Lawn, on January 20, 2002. Photo number P12620-18. Photographer: Tina Hager
Photo 2: During meetings with South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung, President Bush visits the DMZ, 20 February 2002. Military Aide Chuck Williams carries the Football. Photo number P13625-22. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 3: Military Aide Lt. Commander Steve Reynolds carries the Football at the Bush Ranch, Crawford, TX, 26 April 2002. Photo number P16499-07. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 4: During meetings of the G-8 Economic Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, President Bush walks on the Delta Lodge grounds with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, and others, 25 June 2002. A unidentified Military Aide carries the football. Photo number P19106-17. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 5: President Bush departs for New York City with Military Aide Major Jim McAllister carrying the Football across the South Lawn to Marine One, 9 July 2002. Photo number P19483-15. Photographer: Paul Morse
Photo 6: President Bush arrives at Reno/Tahoe International Airport, 18 June 2004, with Military Aide Major Christian Cabaniss carrying the Football and Military Aide Steve Fischer standing to his right. Photo number P41717-58. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 7: President Bush speaking with Military Aide Lt. Col. John Quintas, who holds the Football, Oval Office, 16 June 2005. Excised release. Photo number P45021-150. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 8: During meetings in Cancun, President Bush, Mexican President Fox, and Canadian Prime Minister Harper tour Chichen-Itza Archaeological Ruins, 30 March 2006. Military Aide Commander Leith Davids stands next to the Football. Photo number P033006KH-0537. Photographer: Kimberlee Hewitt
Photo 9: A military aide carries the Football at the Camp David Landing Zone, 16 April 2006, en route to Washington. Photo number P041606ED-0494. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 10: With President Bush at the NATO Summit in Riga, Latvia, Military Aide Geoff Gagnier carries the Football, 28 November 2006. Photo number P112806ED-0816. Photographer: Eric Draper
Photo 11: Air Force One readies for departure from Andrews Air Force Base for Waco, Texas, 10 April 2008. Military Aide Lt. Colonel Gina Humble carries the Football. Photo number P031008ED-0109. Photographer: Eric Draper