The C-119 Flying Boxcar was a significant asset to the U.S. Air Force operations around the world beginning in the early 1950s. The planes, manufactured by Fairchild Aircraft, totaled 1,183 built, two of which are still airworthy in Alaska.

The C-119 was initially a redesign of the C-82 Packet built between 1945 and 1948. The C-82 had performance limitations which were corrected in the C-119. More powerful engines were added, the cockpit was moved to enable the aircraft to carry more cargo, the fuselage was widened and the airframe was strengthened.