Alabama, Part 2

Our next stop was just down the road and over a couple of hills at the Tuskegee Airmen Museum.  These were African American men who wanted to fly for their country during World War II, but were banned from doing so by law.  Finally, a program was started at the Moton Air Field in Tuskegee, and in 1942, the first group of trained pilots, bombardiers, and navigators were ready to serve.

The museum pays tribute to everyone involved in the training: recruits,instructors, intelligence officers, technicians, and support staff.  After watching a four-minuted video, visitors could walk into the hanger and take a self-guided tour.

At left is a wide view of half the museum.  Note the parachutes hanging from the ceiling; there were three staff members who packed and checked the chutes -- all of them were women.  There is actually a hands-on parachute station at which visitors can try their hand at this job.  It's not easy!

At right is a practice console used in training.  Navigators and pilots were expected to be able to fly using only their instruments.  Below is the simulator, provided by Link Aviation.  Yes, the one outside Binghamton, NY.  Mom is sitting in the cockpit.  She worked for Singer-Link for six years in the late 1950s.

The exhibit features recordings of actual base personnel, including the trainees, intelligence officers, mechanics, secretaries, and others. 











At right is a restored Piper Cub, one of the planes used for training flights.





Since both this and the Tuskegee University sites are run by the National Park Service, I could get my NP Passport book stamped in both places.  Also, admission was free in all areas (although donations were cheerfully accepted).