Abstract: A lifting and stowage system for lifting and stowing containers within a ited magazine area. The system provides a sway bracing feature during lifting which also functions as a stowage member when completely assembled. The system also includes a pair of guide rails attached vertically to the bulkhead and a carriage that travels up and down the guide rails. A strongback is attached to the carriage and is located over the container that is positioned by a forklift. The system employs a lifting mechanism consisting of a power source, a pulley and cable system, a snatch block which attaches to the carriage, a stowage system which restrains the stack of containers in all directions and deceleration buffers. In operation, the strongback is attached to the container and the snatch block is attached to the carriage. The container is lifted to allow vertical clearance for the next container. The lower container is positioned by a forklift and the upper container is lowered onto it.