In 1960, eight Providers were transferred from the USAF to the USCG, this one being ex 55-4505

Originally built for USAF as 55-4505 and transferred to the USCG in March 1960. The USCG operated 8 C-123B a/c and primarily used them to support the construction and maintenance of the LORAN-C stations around the world. The USCG installed APN-158 radar in the noses, giving the a/c a different profile. 4505 is currently on display at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, AZ.

Constructed as a C-123B-12-FA and entered service with the USAF as 55-4505 in November 1956. To the USCG in August 1960 as 4505 (as HC-123B). Back to the USAF in March 1972 and stored the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposal Center (MASDC) with inventory number CP0029. To Pima in 1978.

Uses the last 4 digits of its former USAF serial as its Coast Guard identity.

U.S.Coast Guard Providers were not uncommon in the late 60s at Gatwick, although the big Navy base at Naples ,Italy was several hours flying away for them.

This Provider waddled across the ramp to the long term ramp where the North Terminal now is, giving me this shot with the BALAIR Coronado in the background.

Operated for the US Coast Guard from 1960 until 1972, then stored at MASDC until acquired by the Pima Air Museum in September 1978. Note that all USCG C-123B Providers are widely quoted as being HC-123B, but this is incorrect because they were used for LORAN site checks and other non-SAR duties, and were never configured as SAR aircraft. Consequently, they never received the "H" type prefix, and all official USCG documents consistently refer to them as "C-123B".

Back in the sixties the USCG was deployed to the big US Navy base at Naples and several of their C-123 Providers were seen at Gatwick which must have been at least 5 hours flying time from Naples in the C123.