1973: YOM KIPPUR WAR/Operation NICKEL GRASS. Through 14 November (30 days), MAC delivers 22,395 tons of material from 20 locations in the US to Israel. MAC completes this airlift, with a one-way distance of 6,450 miles, in 567 C-5 and C-141 missions. By comparison, the Soviets supply 15,000 tons to the Arabs in 40 days flying a route of 1,700 miles in 935 missions.