Step to the rhythm step step to the ride — I’ve got an open mind so why don’t you all get inside.
President Obama’s Marine One departure from the South Lawn today was noteworthy — he had an all-female crew, assembled in honor of the pilot, Major Jennifer L. Grieves, who is flying her last time in the rotation today before heading to Command and Staff College at Quantico. Tuff!
Grieves last year became the first female Marine One helicopter aircraft commander, and has flown Obama and former President Bush numerous times.
Grieves, 38, of Glendale, Ariz., was accompanied by copilot Maj. Jennifer L. Marino, 33, of Palisade, Colo. The crew chief is Sgt. Rachael A. Sherman, of Traverse City, Mich.
After boarding, Obama paused up front and appeared to be chatting a few moments longer than usual, but the press corps watching the departure was well behind the driveway rope line and couldn’t see or hear anything.
The president is off to NYC and New Jersey for the NAACP convention and a fundraiser for Jon Corzine. He gets back late Thursday night.
Grieves: Totally major. (ap photos)
