The Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron has expanded its website to include a series of webinars featuring information about and interviews with Tuskegee Airmen, the group of African American fighter pilots who became the first black fighter pilots during a time of extreme racial segregation. While many questioned the ability of African Americans to fly, the group proved highly successful in the intense air combat of World War II. The tails of their North American P-51 Mustangs were painted red.
There are currently five webinars posted on the website, including discussions and harrowing accounts of combat by the former fighter pilots. Nearly 1,000 pilots were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, from 1941 to 1946.
“The addition of an area of our website dedicated to past and future webinars illustrates our dedication to making educational and inspirational content about the Tuskegee Airmen free and easy to access,” said CAF Red Tail Squadron’s marketing director LaVone Kay. In addition to providing extensive information about the Tuskegee Airmen and the CAF Red Tail Squadron, the website serves as a virtual museum, featuring images, notes, certificates, clothing, navigation equipment and other memorabilia.
The CAF Red Tail Squadron travels to airshows, community events and schools to educate the public about the Tuskegee Airmen and to inspire young attendants to work hard to fight against any obstacles, such as racial discrimination. In addition to showcasing a red-tailed P-51C Mustang, the exhibit includes the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit mobile movie theatre.
