Thank you Deacon211 for comissioning this classic livery!
C-118 Liftmaster is the Navy and Marine Corps designation for the DC-6As, which were used as cargo and later on converted to VIP/Staff transport.
Joe Baugher's website showed a nice detailed history about the 427:
"128427 (MSN 43210) - converted as staff transport, fitted with VIP kit for use of Commander in Chief of Pacific Fleet. Redesignated R6D-1Z. Assigned to VR-21, code RZ-427. Redesignated VC-118B.
To MASDC as 8C0026 Feb 16, 1982.
To civil registry as N427D Sep 9, 1986 to Lan-Dale Co, Reno, NV for exhibition and now on display at NAS Cherry Point, NC
Registration N427D cancelled Jul 8, 2013. The museum has not yet been built and the aircraft has not been restored or displayed. Now derelict and available for sale."
In general: "Douglas R6D-1 Military version of DC-6A. Some transferred to USAF to increase airflift capacity between USA and Korea. Later returned to Navy and USMC. Survivors in Navy and USMC service redesignated C-118B and VC-118B in 1962."
There's not much info regarding the 426, but the markings shows that it was based at NAF Washington, which is collocated with Joint Base Andrews.
Probably used to fly around the Commandant of the Marine Corps (with a special place for the markings on the cockpit when doing so) as well as the Marine Silent Drill Team and Marine Band, and others.
Deacon211
Contributor