Entered service with the USAF in February 1949 and was involved in the Berlin airlift. Converted from C-121A to VC-121A in 1950. Based at Paris-Orly between June 1951 and March 1952, used as personal aircraft by General Eisenhower (SHAPE commander). Transferred to 1254 ATW around 1960, back to Europe as VIP transport in 1962 and used by General Greunther of NATO. Transferred to 7101st Air Base Wing at Wiesbaden. Retired in January 1967 and Transferred to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposal Center (MASDC) with inventory number CK036 in June 1967. Loaned to Pima in 1972, restored between March 1989 and August 1990. The aircraft is called 'Columbine', after the state flower of Colorado.

This aircraft was used by General Dwight Eisenhower in Europe after WWII and before he became president. It is the first of three Constellation type aircraft that were named Columbine.