![](https://vintageaviationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/USAF-Learjet-C-21A-1024x685-678x381.jpg)
(Image Credit: US Air National Guard)
Delivery of the C-21 fleet to the US Air Force began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. This particular C-21A (S/N 84-0064) was one of the first three of more than 80 aircraft delivered to the US Air Force. It deployed to Southwest Asia in support of both Gulf Wars and the War in Afghanistan. During the First Gulf War, C-21s delivered the Air Tasking Orders to units lacking the ability to receive these daily orders electronically. This aircraft was last assigned operationally to the North Dakota Air National Guard.
(Image Credit: US Air National Guard)
Honored by the selection of their plane to be preserved for posterity, Olsen stated: “It’s only appropriate that the last C-21 flight from our base will be a first for the National Museum of the Air Force as it expands its collection to include this airframe, since beginning our C-21 mission in 2007, our maintainers have kept the aircraft in the best condition imaginable as our pilots logged more Joint Operational Support Airlift Center missions and flying hours with it than other units around the country.”
For the museum’s part, the acquisition of the C-21 gives them the opportunity to show the diversity of the air force’s airlift mission. Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jack Hudson, the museum’s director says: “The popular airlift image is heavy-lift large cargo aircraft, like the C-5 or C-17, but the C-21 represents the other end of the mission spectrum. We’re excited to see this C-21 starting a new career at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.”
The aircraft will initially be displayed at the end of the museum’s Southeast Asia War Gallery. More information about the aircraft is available at HERE.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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