The C-47 Skytrain operated from every continent in the world and participated in every major battle. For all of its official and unofficial names, the C-47 came to be known universally as the "Gooney Bird." General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, termed the C-47 one of the most vital pieces of military equipment used in winning World War II. C-47s remained in active military service long after the end of World War II. They played a critical role in the 1948 Berlin Airlift and saw action in the Korean and Vietnam wars. As a troop transport, the C-47 carried 28 soldiers in full combat gear. As a medical airlift plane, it could accommodate 14 stretcher patients and three nurses. Every branch of the U.S military and all major allied powers flew the C-47. The U.S. Navy version was the R4D. The British and the Australians designated it the Dakota (DACoTA for Douglas Aircraft Company Transport Aircraft).