As the airplane proved itself capable of longer and longer flights
over water, the Ferrying Command was organized to make such
deliveries
to all fronts. The first ones were flown comparatively light and later
they began to carry such things as spare parts, supplies, emergency
equipment, and finally key personnel. As the functions of the
Ferrying
Command were expanded, its name was changed to the Air Transport
Command.Before the War ended over one hundred thousand men were used in this operation. More than ten thousand flights were made across the South Atlantic to Africa and a greater number across the North Atlantic to England. 
One division operated an 11-day round trip service between Florida and
India - the one-way distance being approximately 13,000 miles. These
air lanes had to be supported by important ground installations, such
as, a world-wide network of radio communications, weather
bureaus, refueling stations and repair bases. |
