<article><hdr>Aerial shot of an HU-16 Albatross</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The Grumman SA-16B Albatross was purchased by the US Air Force as well as the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard for Air Sea Rescue duties mostly within the United States. The primary USAF user was the Military Air Transport Service, although some were delivered to the Strategic Air Command, serving with the 95th Bombardment Wing at Biggs AFB, Texas. This would seem a strange assignment as the location was several hundred miles from the nearest sizeable stretch of ocean. SAC's usage was relatively short as their aircraft was subsequently transferred to other Commands , with some eventually joining the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.</hi>
