@ Fairfield, CA
May 2022
The “Globemaster II” (also known as “Old Shakey”) was America’s largest and last propeller driven transport, being the primary heavy-lift transport for USAF Military Air Transport Service (MATS) during the 1950s and early 1960s, until the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter entered service. First flown in 1949, the C-124 served in MATS, later Military Airlift Command (MAC), units of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard until the fleet was retired in 1974. The Travis AFB museum sought one for their collection and located this example at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, used as a storage shed for engine parts. A decision was made to return the aircraft to flightworthy condition for a ferry flight to Dobbins AFB, GA where the restoration work was performed. After a cross country flight, on 10 June 1984 the aircraft arrived at Travis AFB.
