Lockheed's 1329 business jet prototype, first flown on September 4, 1957, became the basis for the C-140 Jetstar. Built primarily for the civilian market, the Air Force purchased only 16 Jetstars and began receiving them in late 1961. Military Airlift Command received eleven C-140B models for Operation Support Airlift, divided between U.S. government dignitary transport missions and special White House-level transport missions designated VC-140B. The Air Force Communications Service received the remaining five C-140A models for evaluation, calibration, and testing of navigation aids around the world. The C-140A's ability to duplicate high-altitude flight paths and the varied approaches of fighters and bombers made it well suited for this mission. Painted in a tan camouflage scheme as it would have appeared while serving in the Pacific Theater from 1965 to 1971, this aircraft was flown in Vietnam in 1968 by Col. Derrel L. Dempsey and was struck by ground fire twice, damaging the left auxiliary fuel tank, the left elevator cover area, and the left horizontal stabilizer. This C-140A first arrived at Scott AFB in 1978 and was assigned to the 1866th Facility Checking Squadron. With the 1987 mission transfer to Military Airlift Command, it became part of the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing's 1467th Facility Checking Squadron until August 1990, when the Jetstars were replaced by the new C-29As. The mission, along with the C-29As, transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration on October 1, 1991. The aircraft honors those who supported the flight check mission during the Jetstar's nearly 30 years of service.