The Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter, a military transport version of the Stratocruiser, first flew on November 15, 1944. Of the 890 built, 74 were C-97s and 817 were KC-97 tankers, introduced in 1950 with the 'flying boom' refueling system.

From 1956, KC-97s were gradually replaced by KC-135 jets, though many were converted for continued use, including the KC-97L variant, which added jet engines for improved performance. Some served with the Air National Guard and Reserves into the 1970s. One such aircraft, named Zeppelinheim, honored its role in Operation ‘Creek Party’ and now resides at the USAF Museum.