Extraordinary measures taken to get Bush to Iraq

11/27/2003 By: News 9 San Antonio Staff

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Not many people knew about President Bush's trip to Iraq on Thanksgiving -- and that's just the way the White House wanted it.

Word of his visit wasn't released until after Bush was already in the air heading home. On the way there, a White House spokesman told reporters that if word of the trip was leaked, Air Force One would turn around and go home. Bush left his Texas ranch Wednesday in an unmarked vehicle, and later stepped into Air Force One using the back stairs, instead of the front.

The jet stopped at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to pick up some aides and reporters. Other journalists had traveled with him from Texas, and all were sworn to secrecy.

Air Force One landed at Baghdad International Airport with its lights off and windows closed.

First lady Laura Bush only found out about the trip earlier this week.

The president's parents weren't told -- even though they were invited to the Texas ranch for the family dinner.