The Starlifters

The Starlifters
by
Dru Blair
Considered one of the finest heavy airlifters in the history of the world, the C-141 Starlifter is displayed in striking repose as it's crew prepares to launch yet another mission.
Beginning operations in the mid 60's, the Starlifter has proven it's worthiness time and time again in several theaters including Vietnam, Panama, the Gulf Was, and Yugoslavia. It has tirelessly performed it's mission role as a long-range, high speed, heavy logistic transport moving a maximum amount of materials in the shortest time possible. Whether carrying troops, equipment and supplies, returning patients to U.S. hospitals or providing battalion sized airdrops, the superb performance of this aircraft and it's ability to make rapid long distance flights at little notice, is underscored by it's record of dependability and endurance.
Sadly, the C-141B is scheduled to be phased out by the new McDonnell/Douglas C-17 Globemaster III, and is to be fully out of commission sometime around the year 2002. Drawdowns and organizational restructuring have already begun at the eight remaining C-141B bases nationwide.