Tuskegee Airmen honored by 944th FW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 50 original Tuskegee Airmen were honored at an airpark dedication ceremony Aug. 2 in front of the 944th Fighter Wing headquarters building here. 

The airpark, which features a static F-16 painted in World War II Tuskegee colors, is dedicated to the "Red Tail" warriors of the Tuskegee Airmen. 

Sixty-five years ago, a program was launched 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 was gained by the Air Force in September 1980 and is aircraft 79-0327, but is painted and marked to depict aircraft 86-0291, assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing. 

"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, an original Tuskegee Airman. "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 Tuskegee, Ala. 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, receiving commissions and their pilot wings. Black navigators, bombardiers and gunnery crews were also trained at selected military bases elsewhere in the United States. Tuskegee pilots were assigned to the 301st and 302nd Fighter squadrons, which are now the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke. 

These Airmen fought two wars -- one against a military force 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. 

He was then assigned to Japan as part of the U.S. occupying force. Upon arrival, Colonel Ashby 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 was sent to Lockbourne Air Field in Ohio. After years of continued struggle, Colonel Ashby reached the status of lieutenant colonel and retired honorably 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. 

The Airmen held their 35th annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in downtown Phoenix this week.