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 new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.