Airpark dedication honors Tuskegee Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  More than 50 Tuskegee Airmen attended an airpark dedication ceremony in their honor Aug. 2 in front of the 944th Fighter Wing headquarters here.

The airpark features an F-16 Fighting Falcon static aircraft painted in World War II Tuskegee colors in recognition of the "Red Tail" warriors of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Sixty-five years ago, the United States launched a program to train the first black military pilots and aircrews, who later became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

"As we proceed forward in the Air Force, it is crucial we reflect back on our history and acknowledge the contributions of those who made so many personal sacrifices for our country's freedom," said Col. Derek Rydholm, 944th Fighter Wing commander. "The airpark will serve as a constant reminder of those contributions."

The F-16 on display entered the Air Force inventory in September 1980 as aircraft No. 79-0327. Today its marking is aircraft No. 86-0291, assigned to Air Force Reserve Command's 944th FW.

"The Tuskegee Airmen are deeply grateful for the honor that the 944th Fighter Wing has bestowed upon us by the dedication of the memorial park with the beautiful red tail F-16," said retired Lt. Col. Robert Ashby, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. "But more important is that the Air Force has people caring and carrying on the legacy that was started years ago."

Tuskegee Airmen were first trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. The first aviation cadet class began in July 1941 and completed training nine months later. Thirteen men started in the first class, but only five successfully completed the training.

From 1942 to 1946, 994 pilots graduated and received their commissions and pilot wings. Black navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews trained at selected military bases elsewhere in the United States. Tuskegee pilots were assigned to the 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons, which are now part of the 944th FW at Luke.

These Airmen fought two wars -- one against an enemy overseas and the other against racism at home and abroad.

"The Tuskegee Airmen just wanted to fly and participate in World War II in a meaningful way, never knowing what profound effect we would have on the armed forces," Colonel Ashby said.

Colonel Ashby enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 17 and was called into active duty two years later in 1944. Four months later, he was sent to Tuskegee, Ala., to begin cadet training.

After he completed his training, Colonel Ashby was sent to Japan as part of the U.S. occupying force. Upon arrival, he was assigned to two white flying outfits, neither of which would accept him because he was black, and the Army was segregated. Colonel Ashby was removed from pilot status and assigned to a black company in the quartermaster department in Tokyo.

In May 1949, he was reinstated to flying status and reported to Lockbourne Air Field in Ohio. After years of continued struggle, Colonel Ashby reached the rank of lieutenant colonel and retired from the Air Force in July 1965.

"The Tuskegee Airmen brought about changes that not only benefited blacks, but every race in this country and, in the end, America," Colonel Ashby said.

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen met in downtown Phoenix for their 35th annual national convention during the first week of August.

(Courtesy of Air Force Reserve Command News Service)