The Albatross was the premier fixed-wing rescue aircraft for the U.S.
Air Force and Coast Guard. Its very colorful history begins in 1946 and
spans nearly a quarter of a century, including service with twenty-two
foreign nations. With a total of 466 built by Grumman, more than eighty
examples still thrive on the civil register. The Albatross also saw
extensive service in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The fascinating
history of this unique aircraft is complemented by over 200 photographs
including many in color showing the great variations in color schemes
and markings.