4 Jan 2011

American Samoan Congressman flies to Washington on Air Force One

5:49 pm on 4 January 2011

The American Samoan Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin was invited to fly back to Washington on the presidential aircraft, Air Force One, after spending New Years in the territory.

The Congressman says the invitation came from United States President, Barack Obama, who had been vacationing in Hawaii since December 23rd.

The flight departed on Monday local time from Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu.

Faleomavaega said he looked forward to talking to the President about the sacrifice of the territory's military men and women as well recovery efforts after the 2009 tsunami.

He said he also hoped to discuss economic development and issues affecting the Asia Pacific region.