Ground Force One is the unofficial code-name for the black armored buses used to transport the president of the United States and other dignitaries. The United States Secret Service formerly used rented buses as part of the presidential motorcade, with retro-fitting for secure communications where necessary. In August 2011 the Secret Service introduced a new permanent addition to the federal government's fleet, initially for use by Barack Obama in the campaign leading up to the 2012 presidential election.