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OPERATION HOMECOMING 2009 

 

The 42nd Annual Memorial Day Fly-In

                                                           

The Negro Airmen International (NAI), the nation’s oldest African-American pilot’s organization and direct descendent of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, will hold its annual “Fly-In” May 23, 2009 in Tuskegee, Alabama. The theme for this year’s event is, OPERATION HOMECOMING, “Continuing the Economic Impact, During Difficult Times.” 

 

Sam L. Jones, of Savannah, Georgia, and President of NAI, shared the significance of this year’s Fly-In.  “ Although, everyone is experiencing difficult economic conditions, this event which has gone on for forty-one years will continue. This year, as in past years, Black pilots will fly in with their planes and engage the pubic, especially the young people. It is going to be fantastic event, and everyone is still invited. Air Tuskegee, The Biofuels Racing Alliance (BFRA) will be there along with the City of Tuskegee, The National Park Service, Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, JBU Productions (Charlotte North Carolina), the Corvette Club out of Atlanta, motorcycle groups, farmers, Black Pilots, and many other local partners. 

 

The Fly-In continues a tradition that everyone looks forward to and has come to know as the largest gathering of African American pilots in the nation. This weekend became popular as many Black pilots and enthusiasts returned to Tuskegee to visit the “Chief,” Charles Alfred Anderson, who passed away in 1996. Anderson trained more than 1000 pilots at Moton Field in Tuskegee, including General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. and General Daniel “Chappie” James.

 

Anderson was the chief flight instructor for the highly regarded 332nd Fighter Group, formed entirely of Tuskegee pilots. It was one of the most successful fighter groups during World War II, and they have the lone distinction of being the only fighter group never to have lost a bomber to enemy fighters while they were flying as escort. That kind of record required strict discipline and superb flying, both of which “Chief” instilled in his men.

 

The Fly-in commemorates the contributions of African American pilots in the field of aviation. Over the past 41 years, it has grown in numbers and initiatives having a positive impact on citizens of Tuskegee to the creation of the Tuskegee historic Airmen site. The leaders of NAI with other organizations realize the importance of what “Chief” and others have done, so in celebrating, they strive to share this history with others, and provide information about economic opportunities to those residing in the “Black Belt” by collaborating with local businesses.

 

The Event organizers have shortened this year’s event in order that the Fly-in could continue. Next year it is their plan to go back to their original format. The Organizers felt that although our country was going through difficult financial times that the Fly-in should continue. The event this year will be held on Friday May 22 and Saturday May 23, 2009. The event would allow its visitors to continue to support local businesses. The Fly-In will also explore opportunities in the energy industry, which, with skyrocketing prices, is a business area in which African Americans (Black People) should carve out a significant niche.

 

 

 

How can you celebrate the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen, other African American aviators, as well as the accomplishments of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Charles “Chief” Anderson, and others? You can come to Tuskegee and be a part of this historical event. As we invoke the names of Booker T. and George W. Carver, we should also invoke the spirit of their work and dedication to empowering others. Go to www.blackwingsonline.com for more information on the Fly-In. See you there! 

 
 
 

 

Not Even Mother Nature Could Curtail the Fly-in Legacy

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people”.

Eleanor Roosevelt

By: NADRA ENZI

The ideals that gave birth to this gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the City of Tuskegee Alabama continued, in spite of weather challenges. Saturday May 23rd, 2009 was the 42nd   continuous celebration of our Fly-In, which still brings Aviation enthusiasts from around the country. It also bears the moniker of being America’s largest gathering of African American pilots. For the past 42 years this event has been sponsored by the Negro Airmen International Inc.

In 1967, twenty -six years after the end of WW II, a group of unheralded flight instructors , lead by Ed Gibbs, came together to form the Negro Airmen International Inc.  These very same instructors participated in a 1941 training program of U.S. Aviation Cadets at the Army Air Corps base in Tuskegee. These Cadets later became known as the Tuskegee Airmen, who distinguished themselves in WW II in defense of our country. They were awarded Congressional medals in recognition of being the only fighter group who never lost a bomber to enemy action.

Many Airmen are part of Negro Airmen International Inc.

Tuskegee once again became the place to be for aviation enthusiasts. This year we received a hearty welcome from Col. Roosevelt Lewis, United States Air Force (ret), our returning host and unofficial “air boss” over festivities. He also owns Air Tuskegee, a local business.  His love of aviation and knowledge always makes the event second to none.

Another top attraction was Ms. Rachel Elliott, who performed a riveting reenactment of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s historic flight with none other than “Chief” Alfred Anderson at the controls.

This year’s event and continuation of its legacy was threatened by bad weather. Pilots nonetheless came from as far away as California and Memphis, TN. We were also joined by Air National Guard pilots from around the country.

 Although this event has been in Tuskegee only thirty-seven of its forty-two years, nature has been kind to it. According to NAI’s president, Sam Jones of Savannah Georgia, weather has always been a factor for many attendees. Still, Tuskegee and the Fly-In has usually been blessed with good weather and devoted participants

Weather is never a factor to pilots, who use in door time to engage in “hangar flying” i.e. spirited discussions about past flights and experiences. While conditions kept some away, those in attendance kept up the spirit and purpose of the Fly-In.

They truly proved that not even Mother Nature could curtail the Fly-In legacy.   

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

You may also make your Donations to NAI
(a 501 C(3) organization)
NAI
P.O. Box 2311
Savannah, Georgia 31403

Membership Application

Download Membership  Application Form Here

For additional information contact:
Sam Jones (912-376-0454 )
Clint Thompson ( 864-905-7823)