A retired U.S. Navy C-2A Greyhound aircraft, Rawhide 52, arrived at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville on July 27, 2026, after its final flight from Norfolk, Virginia. The aircraft, which served as the Navy’s primary carrier logistics plane since 1965, is now part of the museum’s collection housed in a Vietnam-era hangar at the facility. Over 100 spectators gathered at Space Coast Regional Airport to witness the historic arrival, which followed the Navy’s last C-2A carrier landing in late June, according to Navy Times.
The C-2A Greyhound, built by Grumman Corp., has been a critical asset for U.S. carrier strike groups during major operations including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Enduring Freedom. Its unique design and demanding flight characteristics have made it a challenging aircraft to pilot. Lt. Kevyn Brinkman, a Navy pilot, described the experience of flying the plane as highly labor-intensive. 'Our autopilot system is very rudimentary, may or may not work,' he said. 'We are usually hand-flying this thing.'
Brinkman highlighted the aircraft’s mechanical demands, noting its short engine-to-tail design and powerful engines similar to those of a C-130. 'It’s a lot of power. A lot of torque. A lot of P-factor,' he said, referring to asymmetric propeller loading. 'You move your feet more than most aircraft. Labor-intensive, especially coming down to land on a carrier.' He compared the experience to 'being a marionette, just moving every limb you have.'
The museum, located at 11100 Airport Blvd. in Titusville, has been preserving military aviation history since 1986. Rawhide 52 joins other retired aircraft in the collection, which includes World War II and Cold War-era planes. The C-2A’s arrival follows the Navy’s decision to retire the fleet, with the last carrier landing occurring in June. The aircraft will now serve as a static display, offering visitors a chance to see up close the technology that supported decades of naval operations.
Museum officials said the addition of Rawhide 52 will enhance educational programs and public exhibits. The plane’s inclusion is expected to draw aviation enthusiasts and history buffs to the Space Coast, adding to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for military and aerospace heritage.