Lockheed Aircraft manufactured the 51-6601 in Burbank, California, and delivered it to the U.S. Air Force on July 3, 1952. In July 1952, it went to the 3560th Pilot Training Wing, Air Training Command, at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, with a deployment to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. In April 1958, it went to the 3510th Flying Training Wing, Air Training Command, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. In March 1962, it went to the 3510th Maintenance and Supply Group, Air Training Command, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. In January 1964, it went to the 2nd Bombardment Wing, Heavy, Strategic Air Command, at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. In June 1964, it was dropped from inventory by transfer to museum status. It was restored by retired Air Force sergeants Gil Oliver, Jim Pickelmann, and Athel Doty, known as the Three Amigos, with special thanks to Leading Edge Aviation Services, Greenville Metal Works, the City of Greenville, General Aviation, and Vector Pest Control. It was dedicated to those who flew them and to those who kept them flying.