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

C-9A "Nightingale"

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

1. C-9A "Nightingale" Marker

Inscription. The C-9A Nightingale is the only aircraft in the USAF inventory that was specifically designed for the movement of litter and ambulatory patients. It provided service to not only the military services but also the Department of Veterans Affairs and civilian hospitals throughout the world. Experience gained in the early stages of American involvement in the Vietnam War highlighted the need for a medium-range, aeromedical transport and a relatively low-cost expedient. An initial order for right-off-the-shelf commercial McDonnel Douglas DC-9 series 30 airliners was placed to be set aside for military conversion. Modifications included the provision for an intensive care section, galleys, and an electrical system for cardiac monitors, respirators, incubators, and infusion pumps. Another feature was the addition of a third access door with a built-in hydraulic ramp that served to facilitate the loading of litters. Accommodation was provided for up to 40 litters and 40 ambulatory patients, two nurses, and three aeromedical attendants. The first C-9 was rolled out on June 17, 1968 and 21 were delivered to Military Airlift Command,

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Scott AFB, Illinois. The fleet would fly over 3,000 missions annually, airlifting over 60,000 patients. The C-9 on display served with the 375th Airlift Wing of Air Mobility Command and also with the 932nd Air Reserve Wing. The C-9 fleet was retired from active duty in 2003 and from reserve status in 2005.

This aerospace vehicle (C-9A) 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 • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is June 17, 1968.

Location. 29° 23.926′ N, 98° 37.492′ W. Marker is in Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in Bexar County. It is on Bergquist Drive west of Wilford Hall Loop. The marker is located at the west side parking lot of the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center. 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,

C-9A "Nightingale" and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

2. C-9A "Nightingale" and Marker

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: C-131A (T-29B) "Samaritan" (within shouting distance of this marker); Airman 1st Class Martin Jester • Airman 2nd Class Eugene Traczyk Jr. (approx. 0.4 miles away); B-57 "Canberra" (approx. 0.4 miles away); F-100 "Super Sabre" (approx. 0.4 miles away); B-52 "Stratofortress" (approx. half a mile away); Master Sgt. Samuel O. Turner (approx. half a mile away); Republic JF-105B "Thunderchief" (approx. half a mile away); B-66 "Destroyer" (approx. half a mile away). 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 view of the C-9A "Nightingale" and Marker from the hospital parking lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 16, 2024

3. The view of the C-9A "Nightingale" and Marker from the hospital parking lot

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 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. McDonnell Douglas C-9. Wikipedia

The McDonnell Douglas C-9 is a retired military version of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 airliner. It was produced as the C-9A Nightingale for the United States Air Force, and the C-9B Skytrain II for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The final flight of the C-9A Nightingale was in September 2005, and the C-9C was retired in September 2011. The U.S. Navy retired its last C-9B in July 2014. The two remaining C-9s in Marine service were retired in April 2017.

(Submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

A C-9B Skytrain II from the Conquistadors of Fleet Logistics Squadron image. Click for full size.

Public Domain - U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Edward G. Martens., August 18, 2003

4. A C-9B Skytrain II from the Conquistadors of Fleet Logistics Squadron

A C-9B Skytrain II from the "Conquistadors" of Fleet Logistics Squadron Fifty Seven (VR-57) flies over the Pacific Ocean during a routine training flight. VR-57 is a Naval Reserve squadron comprised of active duty and selected reserve personnel that provide around-the-clock, world-wide logistics support for the Navy and Marine Corps regular and reserve forces.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 329 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 29, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.