Red Tail Squadron educates air show attendees

  • Published
  • By Airman John Day
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Triumph Over Adversity: Rise Above; that is the motto of the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron.

The mission of the CAF Red Tail Squadron is to show the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and educate on the values these revolutionary Airmen stood for.

The CAF is a traveling exhibit that flies its own restored P-51C Mustang, painted with the same red- tails that the Tuskegee Airmen were famous for, to air shows. It also features a trailer that displays educational movies featuring the Tuskegee Airmen, both of which graced Columbus Air Force Base with their presence during the Wings Over Columbus: Heritage to Horizons Open House and Air Show April 5 and 6.

Their plane, the P-51C Mustang, has seen multiple restorations over the years. It took many years to piece together the parts required it make it fly. It was painted in its original style to use as an educational tool to inspire young children to rise above.

In 2004, the engine malfunctioned while flying at an air show and the plane was heavily damaged, and the CAF founder and pilot, Don Hinz, lost his life. The next five years were dedicated to Hinz and the rebuilding of the plane, after which the plane was air-worthy once again.

The trailer exhibit features a three-screen theater with a short film that depicts a young boy who dreams of being an astronaut, but is told that he will never make it. The short then documents the life of the Tuskegee Airmen and all the struggles they faced and the accomplishments they achieved. The story ends with a CAF member encouraging the boy, telling him to not give up on his dreams.

Many Tuskegee Airmen had their origins from the Golden Triangle area and Mississippi in general. This drew a crowd of Tuskegee Airmen supporters and even the families of these Airmen during the air show.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of all black pilots and crewmembers who fought in World War II. These Airmen included pilots and personnel and were the very first blacks to become pilots in a time of strict segregation in the civilian world and the military under the Jim Crowe laws. Their inspiring tale shows just how much their struggles made a difference to the U.S. Armed Forces.

In 1940, the Selective Training and Service Act banned racial discrimination in conscription, allowing blacks to be trained for Air Corps service. Just one year later, in 1941, the Air Corps formed its first black combat unit, the 99th Pursuit Squadron.

The Tuskegee Airmen of the 99th Fighter Squadron, previously known as the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Medium Bombardment Group, proved their skill and equality to white fliers and support troops.

They showed that blacks were able to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Black Airmen, remained segregated, but their heroic efforts were noticed by many leaders and showed that segregation in the military was wrong, inefficient and should be ended. The U.S. Air Force became a separate service in 1947 and, due to the efforts of the Tuskegee Airmen, became much more integrated than before.

Education is the reason the CAF was created. It impacts children and veterans alike with its inspiring story and lifelong lessons.

The CAF upholds the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Aim High - Believe In Yourself - Use Your Brain - Never Quit - Be Ready to Go - Expect To Win. These are the guiding principles and ideals of the Tuskegee Airmen.