<article><hdr>Airborne shot of a C-123 Provider</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The C-123 Provider followed on from the C-119 as a transport aircraft designed to operate with a limited short field capability, which could perform localised resupply duties of cargo and troops. The Provider served Tactical Air Command as well as being based in Europe for a short period. However the ruggedness of the design suited operations in South East Asia , with Pacific Air Forces successfully operating the Type, alongside Air America, the 'airline' of the CIA. More than 180 C-123Bs were modified to C-123K standard with the fitment of two pod mounted turbo jets beneath the wings. Many of these served in Vietnam, although the Air Force Reserve was assigned several dozen, which were eventually retired from service before being resold to various civilian owners or transferred to Government departments. Surplus Providers were also supplied to several South East Asian air arms. </hi>
