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 United States Air Force is flying less than historic norms and funding for acquisition and readiness is on a path to further hollow out this too small and old force to that is incapable of sustaining an enduring combat air campaign.
