Delivered to the USAF as C-119F 51-8037 in 1953. Modified to a C-119J in 1956 then specially modified for the mid-air retrieval of space capsules re-entering the atmosphere from orbit in 1958/9. Made the first midair recovery of a capsule returning from orbit when it snagged the parachute lowering the Discoverer XIV satellite 360 miles from Hawaii in 1960. To the United States Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in 1963

This C-119J performed the first midair recovery of an object from space, the Discoverer XIV satellite, in August 1960. It is currently on display at the museum in the space gallery.

Parked outside at the US Air Force Museum in Datyon, OH is this Flying Boxcar.

This Boxcar on display at the National Museum of the USAF has been specially modified for the mid-air retrieval of space capsules re-entering the atmosphere from orbit.