180906-F-EV310-0474

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, F-16 Fighting Falcon and a Commemorative Air Force P-51 Mustang fly in formation Sep. 6, 2018, while flying over areas of Alabama. This dissimilar formation flight, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen past, present and future, included the 301st Fighter Squadron F-22 (piloted by Maj. Paul “Loco” Lopez), 100th Fighter Squadron F-16 (piloted by Maj. Rich “Sheriff” Peace) and Red Tail P-51 (piloted by CAF member and Tuskegee Airman descendant Brad Lang). The 100th Fighter Squadron was one of the Tuskegee Airmen squadrons during World War II, a famous all African-American squadron from the 332d Fighter Group, activated on Feb 19, 1942 at Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama. It was returned to duty in 2007 as a replacement of the Alabama Air National Guard’s 160th Fighter Squadron so the state could honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Clayton Cupit)