Retired Marine One Pilot Describes High-Pressure Task of Flying US Presidents

To counteract pressure and calm nerves that comes with flying presidents, you have to rely on the training, Retired U.S. Marine Lt. Col. John Ballenger says.
Published: 8/5/2025, 12:53:50 PM EDT

Retired U.S. Marine Lt. Col. John Ballenger spoke with Steve Lance, NTD’s Washington bureau chief and the host of “Capitol Report,” about his experience flying Marine One with presidents of the United States on board.

Now a sales director at Guardian Jet, Ballenger explains the job of the crew chief and the qualifications required for piloting the U.S. president's helicopter. Ballenger also described how he achieved the American Dream.