The Naval Air Transport Service or NATS, was a branch of the United States Navy from 1941 to 1948. At its height during WW II, NATS’s totaled four wings of 18 squadrons that operated 540 aircraft with 26,000 personnel assigned. In 1948, the newly created Defense Department, with economy and efficiency as its goal, combined the Air Force’s Air Transport Command and NATS into the Military Air Transport Command or MATS. The Navy’s contribution to MATS consisted of five squadrons and 58 aircraft. Although NATS was dissolved, the Navy was allowed to retain several transport squadrons for its specific needs. The Navy contribution to MATS and its subsequent command, Military Airlift Command or MAC, lasted until 1967. The demands of the Vietnam War and the resultant pilot shortage caused the Navy to withdraw its commitment.

For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund. For more selection, please visit our eBay store. Thanks!