The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron
Method
Exhibition
Website
CAF Red Tail Squadron
The Red Tail Squadron, part of the non-profit Commemorative Air Force (CAF), known as the Red Tail Project until June 2011, maintains and flies a World War II era North American P-51C Mustang. The twice-restored aircraft flies to create interest in the history and accomplishments of the members of the World War II-era 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen, whose distinctive red markings on the tails of the P-51s they flew during that war, gave the organization its name.[1]
The all African American 332d Fighter Group originally flew 15,550 sorties as bomber escorts in the Mustang; eventually the Airmen, who were originally shunned in the white military, acquired the right to fly combat missions. In 1970, the Commemorative Air Force acquired an original P-51 to include in their educational program. In 1980, Don Hinz took charge of the aircraft's restoration, and developed the idea of the Red Tail Project, named for the distinctive red paint on the Airmen's aircraft.[2] Originally conceived as a restoration project, Red Tail evolved into an education program. Although the P-51 was restored, mechanical failure caused a crash and the death of the pilot, a retired U.S. Navy commander; the Tuskegee Airmen endorsed and encouraged the aircraft's second restoration, and the newly restored P-51C made its debut at AirVenture 2009 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.[3]
Since the 1990s,[4] the Red Tail Squadron has raised over $2 million (US) for the aircraft's two restorations, its ongoing maintenance and associated educational programs. The Mustang has been featured in two documentary films: Red Tail Reborn, and Flight of the Red Tail.
^Harden, Mike (May 5, 1999). "Not One To Take 'No' For An Answer, Bill Watkins Walks Again". The Columbus Dispatch, May 5, 1999. p. 01E. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
^Harrison, Christine. "Historic homecoming for Tuskegee Airmen as site opens". Air Force Historical Research Agency, August 16, 2008. Archived from the original on October 20, 2008. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
^Brooks 2005, p. 43.
^Wilkinson, Jennifer (December 15, 1997). "Central Students Relate To Airmen". Telegraph Herald, December 15, 1997. p. A1. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
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