The heritage park at Little Rock AFB, Ark., now has a C-47 Skytrain transport on static display, joining other combat airlifters from every era since World War II there. Little Rock airmen spent several months repairing and repainting the C-47 to match its June 1944 D-Day paint scheme for its christening ceremony on Wednesday. This C-47 is one of more than 9,300 built during World War II. C-47s carried personnel and cargo, towed troop-carrying gliders, dropped paratroopers, and evacuated sick or wounded patients. “We, combat airlifters, all trace our lineage back to the C-47. There are seven squadrons on base whose heritage is based partially on this aircraft,” said Chris Rumley, 314th Airlift Wing historian. He added, “All seven active duty flying squadrons flew this plane during World War II.” (Little Rock release)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…