The C-119 was used by U.S.A.F. troop carrier wings and Air National Guard aeromedical evacuation squadrons. The C-119F and C-119G were the final production models of the Flying Boxcar, the last example of which was delivered late in 1955.

Evolved from the C-82A by relocating the flight deck, widening the fuselage, strengthening the wings and providing more powerful engines, the C-119 carried sixty-two fully-equipped troops or a 30,000-lb. cargo load. Ramps are provided for the rear loading of wheeled or tracked vehicles, and some aircraft have an extended radar nose.