Tuskegee airmen

Airman, Sept, 2004 by Chuck Roberts

The people of Iraq must overcome innumerable obstacles as they rebuild their country and begin a new way of life after decades of servitude under the tyranny of Saddam Hussein.

Airmen from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, proudly trace their heritage to a group of pioneers who faced and overcame circumstances of their own--the Tuskegee Airmen.

"They overcame obstacles in social integration," said Lt. Col. Randall Bunn, acting historian for the 332nd. "There were people who didn't believe in their ability to fly," he said of the African-Americans who shattered racial stereotypes when they arguably became the best fighter unit of World War II.

The similarity of "obstacles the people in this country face in building this nation" are not lost on the Air Force leaders at Balad, said Colonel Bunn, whose primary job is staff judge advocate.

In front of the wing headquarters is a concrete barrier the unit brought when it moved to Balad from Tallil Air Base, Iraq, in February. The barrier depicts the historic link between Balad and the Red Tail Flyers, as the Tuskegee Airmen were known due to the crimson paint scheme on their aircraft's tails.

The hallways of the wing headquarters offer a quick stroll down the historical pathway of the Tuskegee Airmen. Historical photos and memorabilia make it instantly clear that although Airmen who deploy to Balad come from bases around the world, they share a common heritage at the 332nd.

It would be favorable to the Iraqis if the similarities continue. Soon after the Red Tails were assigned to Tunisia in 1943, they began amassing an enviable record, at war's end they had destroyed or damaged 409 enemy aircraft and had flown 15,553 sorties and 1,578 missions.

Most notable, the group never lost a bomber to enemy fighters while providing escort. Not surprisingly, the African-Americans many destined for failure became a highly sought after unit by bomber pilots because of their proven ability and heroics. But their achievement came at a cost of 66 aviators killed in action among the 153 who died on active duty from 1941 through 1951.

The unit returned to the United States after the war and was deactivated Oct. 19, 1945. It reactivated in 1947 at Lockbourne Army Air Base, Ohio, and reorganized that same year as the 332nd Fighter Wing. It was deactivated two years later when the Air Force integrated all units.

In 1998 the 332nd Fighter Wing was once again reactivated as the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group (Provisional) at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, with its mission to provide airpower for Operation Southern Watch. In August 2002, it was renamed the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. After the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 332nd moved to Tallil Air Base, Iraq, before relocating to Balad.

--Master Sgt. Chuck Roberts