The three-month project was viewed by the U.S. military as a training project for constructing runways in remote and difficult areas.
A World War II-vintage DC-3 was chosen to make the first ceremonial landing at the ACE Clearwater Airfield at Catalina Island's newly-reopened Airport in the Sky. The airplane was converted from a war-surplus C-47 in 1947 by Philip and Helen Wrigley, who helped establish the Catalina Island Conservancy and later donated much of their property on the island to it. The twin-engine transport changed hands several times until it was reacquired by the Wrigley's granddaughter Alison Rusack and her husband Geoff, and restored to its 1947 appearance.
