Marine Corps Retires UC-35C Operational Support Airlift Jets

A UC-35C operational support airlift jet, now retired. FLICKR / Cliff1066

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Marine Corps has retired its two UC-35C operational support airlift (OSA) jets. 

Last month, the two UC-35Cs — military versions of the Cessna Citation V Ultra business jet — were sent to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to be placed in storage. 

The UC-35Cs, were based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, and were “responsible for the transport of high-priority passengers and cargo with time, place or mission sensitive requirements,” according to the Naval Air Systems Command said. 

The first UC-35C was delivered on Nov. 22, 1999. The aircraft replaced Beech UC-12B Huron turboprop aircraft in the OSA role. 

Ten of 11 UC-35D Citation Encore versions continue in service with the Marine Corps in the operational support airlift role. 

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Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor