The success of the Berlin Airlift was the result of coordinated efforts between the U.S. Air Force and the other services. The U.S. Navy contributions to the Airlift were two transport squadrons -- VR-6 and VR-8. These squadrons were equipped with the R-5D aircraft which was the Navy's version of the C-54 transport. Other Navy contributions included sea transport of supplies and vital aviation fuels. The U.S. Army's Transportation Corps managed the ocean freight terminals for both cargo and fuel. The Transportation Corps also operated the railroad, pipeline and truck systems from the European coastal ports to the heart of Berlin. The Airlift could not have succeeded without each service's unique contributions.
Click here to return to the
Berlin Airlift Overview.