As February continues and we carry on with the celebration of Black History Month, we at Cockpit USA are looking back in history at pioneering black pilots who inspire us to this day. The bravery of those willing to fight for their country throughout the harshest times while facing prejudice is what we at Cockpit USA find most inspiring.
This month we salute the Tuskegee Airmen and how their legacy and accomplishments, not only in the skies but also breaking through racial barriers of the time, has shaped what it means to be a black American pilot today. The Tuskegee Airmen are most recognized for their bravery in WW2 against the Germany Luftwaffe and for their iconic red tailed Mustang P-51 Fighter planes. It’s no wonder that Cockpit USA would choose to honor these heroic airmen through a commemorative jacket and graphic t-shirt.
Commissioned by an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen, belonging to the Long Island, NY chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and developed jointly with Cockpit USA, the Tuskegee Airmen A-2 jacket is made to honor these heroic airmen through a design that is covered in history.
It showcases an array of intricately embroidered patches on both sleeves and a specially designed, grand victory ‘V’ back patch ( © 2014 CPT USA LLC ) , which displays every aircraft flown by these airmen. This jacket was created to leave the wearer, and all those who see it, with a palpable visual of the heroic story of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Inside, this jacket features a “Nation Salutes You” applique designed specifically for the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy Jacket that includes their respective fighter and bomber squadron group insignias. Remaining true to its historical origins, this A-2 jacket includes two front snap pockets, knitted cuffs, and waistband. The Tuskegee Airmen A-2 Jacket does not lack in style and is the perfect addition to a collector’s wardrobe.
A more subtle yet significant detail is the embroidered "Red Tails" name located on the back patch of the jacket, which was the nickname acquired from the red painted tails of the Tuskegee fighter planes during their short time during WWII. Sixty-six Tuskegee Airmen died in combat. This name would later be cemented into the legacy of the airmen being adapted into the title of a movie based on their bravery.
The 2012 feature film ‘Red Tails’ has a star-studded cast that did not disappoint when it came time to pay homage to these heroic airmen. When the film premiered, the American Airpower Museum (AAM) offered up its facilities to the cast for a photoshoot. Cockpit USA founders Jacky & Jeff Clyman met with the cast to share the history they share with The Tuskegee Airmen. The AAM also holds the first permanent exhibit of the Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd fighter group as of January 2001.
As a proud sponsor of the American Airpower Museum, Cockpit USA invites you to celebrate Black History Month at the American Airpower Museum located at 1230 New Highway, Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY.
Shop the Tuskegee Airmen A-2 Jacket and Tuskegee Graphic T-shirt below. Read more articles about the Tuskegee Airmen here and more about other brave black pilots in our Pioneers of The Sky: Then Men and Women Who Paved The Way article.