U.S. MILITARY AIR SERVICE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27471, 4 October 1954, Page 12

U.S. MILITARY AIR SERVICE

PERFECT SAFETY RECORD 731,000 PASSENGERS IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS Flying over 37 countries, oceans, arctic ice-packs and tropical jungles, transport aircraft of the United States Military Air Transport Service carried 731,000 passengers and patients in 17 months since June 1, 1953, without one fatal accident. The service is jointly operated by the United States Navy and Air Force and has logged nearly 5.265,000,000 miles in six years’ operation. It operates over 115,000 miles of air routes throughout the world and maintains 2000 communications and navigational aid facilities. The organisation provides air weather services, distributes about 5,000,000 aeronautical charts to Air Force commands all over the world, and takes part in air rescue operations. Lieutenant General Joseph Smith, service commander of the military airline, reported recently the perfect safety record of his organisation. “This continuing safety record reflects the constant emphasis placed on training and discipline by our three transport divisions,” he said. “As in 1953, the record has been maintained while routes and transport units have been expanded, new equipment added, and a considerable turnover in flying and maintenance staff experienced.” The latest addition to the service’s fleet are Lockheed Super Constellation Navy aircraft which went to Hawaiibased transport squadrons 7 and 8, for the U.S.-Japan service.