Incredible Images of the Tuskegee Airmen

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules lands on a dirt airstrip during the Saturday Proficiency Jump Program (SPJP) at Sicily Drop Zone, Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb. 20, 2016. The SPJP builds proficiency, experience, and confidence of individual Paratroopers, ensuring the XVIII Airborne Corps remains ready for contingency response missions around the world.

The Tuskegee Airmen is the name given to members and support staff of the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group. Sometimes known as the Red Tails because they painted the tails of their aircraft red, the Tuskegee Airmen were the first black flying squadron.

A 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron HH-60 Pave Hawk practices brownout landings near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2014. Brownout occurs when the rotor wash causes dirt, dust or sand to become airborne which can cause the crew to lose sight of the ground.

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen doing maintenance on a P-40-Warhawk at Selfridge Field.

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, kicks up dirt while landing during a combined amphibious landing at Pohang, South Korea, March 30, 2015. The Korean Marine Exchange Program demonstrates the unique ability of the 31st MEU to arrive in theater via amphibious shipping, along with ROK Regimental Landing Team, into an amphibious Combined Marine Expeditionary Brigade. KMEPs are annual combined exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy Forces with the ROK in order to strengthen working relationships across the range of military operations - from disaster relief to complex, expeditionary operations.

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen 332nd Fighter Group attending a briefing in Ramitelli, Italy. Members include Hiram E. Mann, Newman C. Golden, Bertram W. Wilson Jr., among others.

An HC-130J Combat King II from the 71st Rescue Squadron takes off from the unimproved landing zone on Bemiss Field, July 29, 2016, at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range, Ga. This flight marked the first time an HC-130J landed at the ULZ on Bemiss Field, which was previously used for airdrops and helicopter landings. The landing validated the pilot’s training for future operations in austere locations and met requirements for training that cannot be accomplished on paved runways or assault strips.

A graduation ceremony at Tuskegee University, where the Tuskegee Airmen recieved their namesake.

An Afghan C-27 aircraft departs from a dirt landing zone in the Zabul province of Afghanistan near FOB Lagman as part of of the hands on portion of a Landing Zone Safety Officer class. The class consisted of U.S. Air Force, Army, and Romanian Army personnel who were there to be certified to safely run the dirt landing and drop zone. The class was taught by U.S. Air Force instructors from Task Force CROM.

Capt. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. squadron commander, training with biplanes. Biplanes were cheap and safe for advanced combat maneuvers.

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comes down on a dirt landing zone in the Sindh province on Sept. 5, 2010.

A group of Tuskegee Airmen discussing their combat exploits outside of Rome.

An HC-130J Combat King II from the 71st Rescue Squadron takes off from the Bemiss Field unimproved landing zone, July 29, 2016, at Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range, Ga. This flight marked the first time an HC-130J landed at the ULZ on Bemiss Field, which was previously used for airdrops and helicopter landings. The landing validated the pilot’s training for future operations in austere locations and met requirements for training that cannot be accomplished on paved runways or assault strips.

The flight jacket worn by 1st Lt. William Noel Alsbrook during combat over Austria on November 19, 1944. It is currently on display at the U.S. Air Force National Museum. 

Recently acquired C-130 Hercules assigned to the 103rd Airlift Wing prepares to take off from Ramagen dirt strip, Bryan County, Ga. The aircraft was being piloted by Lt. Col Steve Gwinn and Maj. John Panis who were qualifying for a special certification that permits the pilot to land on short dirt runways.

Tuskegee Airmen doing squats as a part of their regular physical training regimen.

A C-130 takes off on a dirt landing strip in Qalat, Afghanistan, Aug. 14. The C-130 transported Army passengers and cargo.

Members of the Tuskegee Airmen in front of a P-51 Mustang.

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 kicks up a dirt storm during a confined area landing at a dirt landing zone in Belize Saturday. In combat theaters, it is necessary to land at unimproved landing zones like this one in order to take Marines and their supplies to wherever they are needed on the battlefield. Practicing in the jungles of Belize is valuable training for the pilots for later battlefield missions.

This image of members of the 332nd Fighter Group was taken in Ramitelli, Italy.