Built by Douglas, the aircraft began as the DC-4A, a four-engine design started in 1940 for U.S. airlines' commercial use, but after war broke out the Army Air Corps took over the production line and designated it the C-54. The first aircraft flew in March 1942, and during World War II hundreds were built in configurations for passengers, cargo, and medical use. Its long range made it an ideal trans-ocean transport used extensively worldwide. After World War II, many remained in service because of their versatility and range, and in 1948 they became critical to the Berlin Airlift, carrying tons of supplies around the clock and forming the backbone of the operation. During the Korean War the aircraft continued to carry supplies and evacuate wounded, and Skymasters remained in U.S. Air Force service until the 1960s. Warner Robins Air Logistics Center assumed worldwide logistics management support for all U.S. Air Force C-54s in 1959. This particular aircraft was delivered to the AAF in August 1945 and served with various units, notably the 22nd Transport Unit at Rhein Main AB, Germany, and the 313th Troop Carrier Group at Fassberg AB, Germany, during the Berlin Airlift, when it likely flew many cargo missions to and from Berlin. It later served at Olmsted AFB, Pennsylvania, before retiring to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1964.