Type: Military, elite aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps

Fleet Size: 35 Helicopters of 4 different types

Routes: 1 regular, provides service to the White House, Marine Corps Base, Quantico and Andrews Air Force Base on an as needed basis. "Marine One" sometimes travels with the President as he travels abroad as the helicopter can be loaded on to larger aircraft such as the C-130 Globemaster.

Manufacturer and Powerplant: Most of the Helicopters used by HMX-1 come from Sikorsky Aircraft. The most recognizable VH-3D Sea King and the newer VH-60N, which is a variant of the "Blackhawk". As one of the responsibilities of HMX-1 is to test new Helicopters for the entire Marine Corps, pilots of HMX-1 were among the first to fly the Lockheed V-22 Osprey.

Fare Collection: Not Applicable, complimentary service provided to visiting foreign ambassadors, diplomats and other VIP's who have meetings with the President at the White House.

Livery: Aircraft of HMX-1 are notable for their Marine Corps Olive Green drab paint. Helicopters of the "Whiteside" detachment transport the President, Vice President and other VIPs, helicopters without the white markings perform other duties. When carrying the President any one particular helicopter is given the designation "Marine One" or "Marine Two" when carrying the Vice President and only bear the Presidential and Vice Presidential seal when they are on board.

Innovations: Living in Washington DC the sight of HMX-1 is one of the more interesting things to see. Initially founded as a standard Marine Corps unit tasked with landing on Islands as a faster means of deployment, their role was extended under President Eisenhower as a means to transport the President faster around the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area faster. Its about a 45 minute drive from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base where Air Force One is Stored. The Secret Service and the White House Military Office prefer the use of HMX-1 over Presidential Motorcades because of the added degree of safety for the President and because Motorcades are a logistical irritant and cause traffic delays for hours after the President has passed through an area. HMX-1 also tests new Helicopters before they are put into regular service with the Marines. All helicopters carrying the President are equipped with Military Grade countermeasures and jamming technology. All members of HMX-1 must pass the extremely extensive background check known as "Yankee White". Yankee White is the most rigorous background check in the United States. Members of the Military, Secret Service and the Private Sector who have any contact with the President or Presidential Assets must pass. Yankee White ensures "unquestionable loyalty to the United States" with questions going back to childhood and the Government interviewing your past neighbors about your morals and character. Overseas and at home, HMX-1 fly 4 helicopters all at once when the President is in the air to confuse potential terrorists. After evaluating the V-22 Osprey HMX-1 determined the airframe is too "unpredictable" and the President is not allowed to fly in one, only in an extreme emergency would this change.