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.

A few days after this picture was taken, this F-15A, while operating from Gilze-Rijen AB, Netherlands, under deployment "Coronet Mescalero" was damaged by engine fire when on final for landing on 13 June 1986. The pilot managed to land the aircraft safely, but extensive repairs were necessary. The aircraft was brought to Soesterberg AB by road and from there flown back to the US in a C-5 on 25 September 1986.

This MC-12W belongs to the 427th Reconnaissance Squadron based at Beale AFB (CA).

Who's first at mother earth, this sharp turning C-130J Super Hercules or the para jumper in the back ground? The Texas Air National Guard C-130J was used for a high altitude low opening (HALO) para jump session over Yuma Proving Grounds.