MATS was originally a joint US Air Force and Navy affair. In December 1956 the USAF was put in control and in 1958, the US Navy had to transfer 32 of its 50 R7V Constellations to the USAF. Perhaps the struggle for these aircraft began earlier since they were allocated 1954 serials, in this case 54-4051. Photo from: US Navy - National Naval Aviation Museum

Allocated to USAAF as 44-9137 but instead delivered to US Navy as 90407. Paint scheme very faded, but 90407 and "US Navy" still visible on the tail.

It carries MATS titles so worth uploading despite the poor quality. The USAF took over sole responsibility for MATS in 1958. Consequently this one was transferred to the USAF as 51-17661, then to the Republic of Korea Air Force in 1970.

This C-54 served as US Navy R5D-4R Bu90407 from 1945 until 1971. After storage at MASDC it went through many owners, as N67038 since 1975 and as N51848 since 1978. It was first seen at the museum in Feb 1992. In early 1998 it was restored in these Military Air Transport Service (MATS) markings, with its authentic serial 90407 and "US Navy" and "Pacific Division" titles on the tail. The Military Air Transport Service was formed in 1948 out of the US Navy's Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) and the USAF's Air Transport Command (ATC). It was discontinued in 1966.