Air Force One to transport Bush remains to Washington

HOUSTON (AFP) – Solemn preparations were underway Sunday for America's national farewell to George H.W. Bush, whose casket will be flown from Texas to Washington aboard a presidential aircraft to lie in state at the start of a days-long state homage.

The 41st president died Friday, aged 94, at his home in Texas -- ''a very gentle and peaceful passing,'' his lifelong friend and advisor James Baker said Sunday on ABC's ''This Week.''

To commemorate the first former president to die since Gerald Ford in 2006, officials have announced a detailed, fourday schedule of celebratory services and tribute, organized with military precision by the Pentagon task force charged with protecting the US capital.

Its culmination will be a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, which President Donald Trump -- who had often clashed with the more staid and centrist Bush family – has declared a national day of mourning.

The week's events begin at 1630 GMT Monday, when Bush's remains are to be flown aboard the presidential Boeing 747 plane known as Air Force One – made available at Trump's direction – from Houston to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Bush spokesman Jim McGrath said the presidential aircraft's flights to carry the 41st American president are being dubbed ''Special Air Mission 41,'' as he announced the plane's arrival in Houston.

''A beautiful day In Texas -- 'ceiling and visibility unlimited,' Mr. President,'' he wrote, in reference to the aviation code phrase for a desirable situation, one used by Bush's family and friends to spread the news of his death.

Bush will lie in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol from Monday evening Wednesday morning, under the watchful gaze of an around-the-clock honors guard.