Civil Reserve Air Fleet

The Civil Reserve Air Fleet is part of the United States Air Force's mobility resources. Selected aircraft from civilian U.S. airlines, contractually committed to Civil Reserve Air Fleet, support United States Department of Defense airlift requirements in emergencies when the need for airlift exceeds the capability of military aircraft.

It was established in 1952 as the successor to the civil air transport during World War II. Prior to its formation, the civil air transport fleet participated in the Berlin Airlift in 1948.

he Fleet has three main segments: international, national and aeromedical evacuation. The international segment is further divided into the long-range and short-range sections and the national segment into the domestic and Alaskan sections.

The CRAF could be used in national emergencies such as in the aftermath of earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes in the bringing of supplies and evacuation of civilians.

The long-range international section consists of passenger and cargo aircraft capable of transoceanic operations. The role of these aircraft is to augment the Air Mobility Command's long-range intertheater C-5s and C-17s during periods of increased airlift needs, from minor contingencies up through full national defense emergencies. In addition, Boeing 767s are converted into air ambulances to treat wounded soldiers in medevac situations.

The CRAF saw action during the Vietnam War, the War in Grenada, and the Gulf War.