Incredible Images of the Tuskegee Airmen

Michael Trent · January 1, 2020Updated January 13, 2020 · 5 min read

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Defense Systems Analyst

Michael Trent covers military aircraft, weapons systems, and defense technology with an emphasis on cost, maintenance, and real-world performance. He focuses less on specifications and more on how systems hold up once they are deployed, maintained, and operated at scale.

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.

U.S. Air Force

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.

Tuskegee Airmen working on a P-40-Warhawk — U.S. Air Force

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

MV-22B Tuskegee Airmen at Ramitelli Italy

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.

Toni Frissell

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.

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

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Capt. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. squadron commander, training with biplanes.

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.

U.S. Air Force

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

Tuskegee Airmen After Action in Italy — National Archives

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.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

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.