Douglas C-124 Globemaster II an American heavy lift cargo aircraft.
Initially the Globemaster II affectionately nicknamed Old Shaky was operated by the USAF's SAC (Strategic Air Command) and it's primary duty was to transport nuclear weapons and personnel between SAC bases, Old Shaky was also the primary USAF MATS (Military Air Transport Service) heavy lift transport aircraft of the 1950's and early 1960's until replaced by the C-141 Starlifter.
First flight of the Globemaster II was November 27th, 1949, introduction to service was in 1950. 448 Globemaster II's were built and she served with the USAF until 1970 and would continue to serve on until as late as 1974 with the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.
My dad flew them as pilot in command. The ladder to the cockpit was a rope ladder. The Air Force held a family day and one of my earliest memories was going in that giant airplane, and wondering how anyone could get up that ladder. I was really young, so in my mind it was huge.
