Delivered as a C-121A in 1949. Converted to a VC-121A in 1950 and used as the personal aircraft of General Eisenhower in 1951/2. Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 1967. To the museum in 1969. Restored to its 1951 markings and name of Columbine by 1993.

As a C-121A, this Constellation flew the route from Westover AFB to Rhein-Main and back in support of the Berlin Airlift in 1949 and was converted to VC-121A in 1950. From June 1951 to March 1952 used as the personal aircraft of General Eisenhower, SHAPE Commander, based at Paris-Orly airport, named "Columbine". Eisenhower used a second VC-121A, 48-8610, named "Columbine II" after he became President in 1953. This in turn was replaced by VC-121E 53-7885 "Columbine III" in 1953

K25 slide scan. Built 1949 as 48-614, personal aircaft of General Eisenhower 1951 to 1952, named "Columbine", retired to MASDC 1967. USAF Museum 1968, loaned to Pima Air and Space Museum. Restored 1989 to 1990 and displayed as "Columbine I".

Photographer: Karl Krämer.

Delivered to USAF in February 1949. At one period used by Eisenhower.

Entered service with the USAF in February 1949 and was involved in the Berlin airlift. Converted from C-121A to VC-121A in 1950. Based at Paris-Orly between June 1951 and March 1952, used as personal aircraft by General Eisenhower (SHAPE commander). Transferred to 1254 ATW around 1960, back to Europe as VIP transport in 1962 and used by General Greunther of NATO. Transferred to 7101st Air Base Wing at Wiesbaden. Retired in January 1967 and Transferred to the Military Aircraft Storage and Disposal Center (MASDC) with inventory number CK036 in June 1967. Loaned to Pima in 1972, restored between March 1989 and August 1990. The aircraft is called 'Columbine', after the state flower of Colorado.

This triple tailed beauty named "Columbine" was once the personal ride for Dwight Eisenhower.

Delivered to USAF February 1949 and used by General Eisenhower in Europe as the first "Columbine" until 1952. Retired to Davis Monthan in June 1967. Now preserved at the Pima Museum.

Dwight Eisenhower's first Columbine beautifully restored.

This aircraft was used by General Dwight Eisenhower in Europe after WWII and before he became president. It is the first of three Constellation type aircraft that were named Columbine.