Some of the latest generation of USAF African-American airmen recently flew nine members of the first generation, the famed World War II Tuskegee Airmen, aboard a C-17 appropriately named “The Spirit of the Tuskegee Airmen.” Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command’s 315th Airlift Wing and Active 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, S.C., and AFRC’s 446th AW at McChord AFB, Wash., flew their forebears in the specially named airlifter as part of the activities during the 35th annual Tuskegee Airmen Convention in Phoenix, Ariz. (Luke AFB, Ariz., dedicated an airpark to the historic group.)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.