Alongside Marine One At Reagan Library

"This is magnificent. Everything that President Reagan loved is here today."

Those words came from Los Angeles (CA) Police Chief William Bratten, as he escorted former First Lady Nancy Reagan at a ceremony marking the installation of Ronald Reagan's Air Force One into his presidential library in Simi Valley.

SAM 27000 arrived at the library in pieces. The 153-foot long fuselage was eased into the library's $25 million Air Force One Pavilion after a precarious trip up the side of a mountain in dense fog.

A team of engineers from Boeing will attach the wings to the fuselage as work on the pavilion is completed. The aircraft's nose will be mounted on a pedestal, giving the impression the 707, known as the "Spirit of '76" is taking off.

The aircraft wasn't Reagan's alone. Instead, it was used by Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush (41) and Clinton.

"This is an absolutely magnificent location and appropriate for honoring President Reagan," Bratten said as he looked at the exhibit. "It's quite an honor for us to participate in this event."

President Reagan died June 5th after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 93. Mrs. Reagan visited his grave site for a few moments before Monday's ceremony.

During the festivities, Boeing's Rudy deLeon handed the first lady and those attending oranges -- remembering Mrs. Reagan's habit of rolling an orange down the plane's aisle for luck.

The pavilion also features Marine One, several police vehicles and a limo. It should be completed around the middle of next year.

FMI: www.ronaldreaganmemorial.com