The C-23 Sherpa was a dual-use design by Short Brothers limited for commercial passenger and freight service, manufactured in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was originally acquired by the U.S. Army as part of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreement for use in the European Theater of Operations to rapidly transport high-priority personnel and light cargo. It was last in service in the Pacific Theater, serving its original purpose by supporting the military at Kwajalean Atoll.