MATS

The Military Air Transport Service (MATS) was established by the United States Air Force on June 1, 1948, as a unified command to provide strategic airlift and transport services worldwide. Created by merging the Air Transport Command and the Naval Air Transport Service, MATS played a pivotal role during the Berlin Airlift, Korean War, and early stages of the Vietnam War, ensuring rapid global movement of troops, equipment, and supplies. MATS operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-54 Skymaster and C-124 Globemaster, pioneering long-range air routes and aerial refueling techniques. In 1966, MATS was reorganized and redesignated as the Military Airlift Command (MAC), marking the end of its distinguished era.