Lackland Air Force Base in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

C-123K "Provider"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. C-123K "Provider" Marker

Inscription. The "Provider" was a short-range assault transport used to airlift troops and cargo onto short runways and unprepared airstrips. Designed by the Chase Aircraft Co., the C-123 evolved from earlier designs for large assault gliders. The first prototype XC-123 made its initial flight on Oct. 14, 1949, powered by two piston engines. A second prototype was built as the XG-20 glider. It was later test-flown, powered by four jet engines. The production version, with two piston engines, was designated the C-123B. Chase began manufacturing in 1953, but the production contract was transferred to Fairchild. The first of more than 300 Fairchild-built C-123B's entered service in July 1955. Between 1966 and 1969, 184 C-123B's were converted to C-123K's by adding two J85 jet engines for improved performance.

This aerospace vehicle (C-132K) is a part of the USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Erected by USAF Heritage Program Collection.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Vietnam. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1955.

Location. 29° 23.579′ N, 98° 37.126′ W. Marker is

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in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bong Avenue south of Luke Blvd. The marker is located at the USAF Airman Heritage Museum’s Air Park which is around the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jbsa Lackland TX 78236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas

and in the San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Technical Sgt. Fred L. Clarke • Staff Sgt. Salluel F. Walker Jr. (a few steps from this marker); UC-45 "Expeditor" (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Master Sgt. William O. Petrie (within shouting distance of this marker); Sergeant 1st Class Walter H. Beech (within shouting distance of this marker); C-119C "Flying Boxcar" (within shouting distance

C-123K "Provider" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. C-123K "Provider" and Marker

of this marker); HH-43 Helicopter Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); F-82E "Twin Mustang" (within shouting distance of this marker); P-47N "Thunderbolt" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lackland Air Force Base.

More about this marker. The marker, museum and air park are located on the Lackland Air Force Base, an active U.S. military installation which is a part of the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). The USAF Airman Heritage Museum and Air Park are open to the public, but appropriate identification is required for access. Visit the museum’s web site for current details on visiting the museum and air park.

Also see . . .
1. Airmen Heritage Training Complex. USAF Airman Heritage Museum (Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Fairchild C-123 Provider. Wikipedia

The Fairchild C-123 Provider is an American military transport aircraft designed by Chase Aircraft and built by Fairchild Aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. In addition to its USAF service, which included later service with the Air Force Reserve and
Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. C-123K "Provider"
the Air National Guard, it went on to serve the U.S. Coast Guard and various air forces in Southeast Asia. During the War in Vietnam, the C-123 was used to deliver supplies, to evacuate the wounded, for agent insertions behind enemy lines, and was also used to spray Agent Orange.

(Submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

C-123K "Provider" image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - US Air Force, circa 1950s

4. C-123K "Provider"

U.S. Air Force Fairchild C-123B-7-FA Provider aircraft (s/n 54-636, 54-641) in flight in the U.S.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.