South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command

South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT) was a joint command of US military logistics units in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II. It contributed notably to the success of U.S. forces in the battles for Guadalcanal (1942–1943) and New Georgia (1943). It reported to AirSols, then to Commander, Air, South Pacific, part of the South Pacific Area.

History
The operations of SCAT started as a response to developments in Guadalcanal, with the initial deployment of Marine Aircraft Group 25 in August 1942 comprising VMJ-253. The composite transport group was then formally organized in November 1942. Other units in SCAT were VMR-152, VMR-153 and USAAF's 13th Troop Carrier Squadron. SCAT was dissolved in February 1945.

The nickname "Flying Boxcars" was widely used for the Douglas R4D aircraft flown by Marine units in SCAT, predating its attachment to the post-war C-119 aircraft.

Personnel
SCAT personnel who later became notable include:
 * Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States, commanded SCAT cargo handling units while in the U.S. Navy.
 * David Douglas Duncan, photographer, who worked in the Pacific theater under SCAT orders.
 * William K. Lanman, who became a millionaire benefactor of Yale University.