Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

C-47 “Skytrain”

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

1. C-47 “Skytrain” Marker

Inscription. The C-47 Skytrain, or “Gooney bird”, of World War II fame, was produced near this spot by Douglas Aircraft from March 1943 to August 1945. Over half of all 10,000 C-47s were built in Building 3001 – now headquarters of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center.

A top cargo carrier and glider tow ship during WWII, the C-47 also served in the Berlin Airlift, the Korean conflict, and was fitted with mini-guns as the “dragon ship” for Vietnam operations.

Characteristics: Span: 95' • Length: 63' • Height: 17' • Gross weight: 31,000 lbs • Top speed: 230 mph • Range: 1,600 miles • Payload: 10,000 lbs.

Dedicated April 8, 1983
Maj Gen James E. Light, Jr.
OC-ALC Commander

Erected 1983.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Korean • War, Vietnam • War, World II. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1943.

Location. 35° 26.016′ N, 97° 24.273′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Tinker Air Force Base. It can be reached from the intersection of South Air Depot Boulevard and Interstate 40, on the left when traveling south.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oklahoma City OK 73145, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: “Rosie the Riveter” (a few steps from this marker); C-141 “Starlifter” (a few steps from this marker); EA-6B “Prowler” (within shouting distance of this marker); Tinker Air Force Base 75th Anniversary Time Capsule (within shouting distance of this marker); Tinker AFB Historic Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Douglas Aircraft Historic Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); B-47 “Stratojet” (within shouting distance of this marker); C-135 “Stratolifter” (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

2. C-47 “Skytrain” Marker

of all markers in Oklahoma City.

More about this marker. It is in Charles B. Hall Airpark at the entrance to Tinker Air Force Base. The airpark is open to the public from dawn to dusk daily unless heightened security warrants closure.

C-47s lined up in Building 3001 image. Click for full size.

Unidentified; via Tinker Air Force Base History Office (Public Domain), 1943

3. C-47s lined up in Building 3001

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.