TUSKEGEE ALABAMA- The CAF Red Tail Squadron's Mustang fighter landed at Moton Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama last weekend. The P-51C, flown by Brad Lang, a Delta Airline Captain is the son of Tuskegee Airman Donald Lang. It had to rate +10 on the cool meter. Moton Airfield is the place it all began where the group known as the Tuskegee Airmen first trained to fly.
Moton Field is also home to the National Park Service's Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The Park Service established the Site in 1998 and opened a temporary Visitors Center in 2002. Six years and $29 million later, the Site held its grand opening. Visitors can see a short video and look at exhibits, including some trainers, in the restored Hangar 1.
Over the weekend, visitors could view the Mustang before or after visiting the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit. The traveling exhibit, housed in a 53-foot trailer, features a 30-seat movie theater for a screening of the educational film "Rise Above."
-Image Special to AlabamaAviator-
Thursday and Friday, the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit was set up at Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee with numerous groups of visiting students. Each youngster received a free "RISE ABOVE" inspirational dog tag.The CAF Red Tail Squadron is working toward its goal of bringing the story of the Tuskegee Airmen into every classroom in America. While enroute, the Mustang and the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit, is seen by thousands at weekend air shows and other special events. However, where the "rubber meets the road" is taking the Traveling Exhibit to young people so they can hear about and learn from the inspiring history of the Tuskegee Airmen.
A 501c3 charitable organization, the CAF Red Tail Squadron is dependent on donations and the kindness of strangers. Last week Golden Eagle Aviation FBO stepped up and agreed to house the Mustang and put the Rise Above Traveling Exhibit on their property. The next stop for the Redtail Squadron is Warner Robbins AFB for more student time and the upcoming weekend Air Show. -Staff Report, FMI: http://www.redtail.org/