US Air Force ferries security tonnage ahead of Obama visit

MUMBAI - Hectic last-minute preparations have started in Mumbai with two US Air Force aircraft bringing in tonnes of security equipment for US President Barack Obama’s visit, beginning here Nov 6, an official said Thursday.

The two aircraft arrived, unloaded the cargo for the presidential trip and left during the past couple of days.

Current indications are, at least 15 such aircraft are expected in the next eight days before Obama himself lands at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the official said.

Another couple of aircraft carrying more officials and equipment are expected during the next couple of days, the official told IANS.

Though details of the aircraft, their origin and subsequent destination are not revealed, they have brought an advance team of Obama’s security team and a large quantity of equipment.

The entire fleet will fly down carrying the tiniest personal, official and security items needed during Obama’s visit, the official said.

These would include dismantled helicopters, armoured vehicles and cars and sophisticated communication equipment, most of them originating from different US air bases in Asia.

President Obama is expected to land in Mumbai Nov 6 on the first leg of his India visit, before proceeding to New Delhi.

He will be staying at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel opposite Mumbai’s Gateway of India.

It was one of the sites where Pakistani gunmen created mayhem during the Nov 26-28, 2008, Mumbai terror attack.