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Today in Aviation History: The 99th Pursuit Squadron is Constituted
On March 19, 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was constituted, making history as the first African American fighter squadron. Training at Tuskegee Army Air Field, these pioneering aviators went on to prove their combat skills in the Mediterranean Theater, flying Curtiss P-40 Warhawks in ground attack missions.
Eight Tuskegee Airmen in front of a P-40 fighter aircraft in Southern Italy.
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On March 19, 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron was officially constituted, marking a historic milestone as the first African American fighter squadron. This unit would later become an integral part of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. Eventually, the 99th was joined by the 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons to form the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the Red Tails.
99th Fighter Squadron mechanic reloading a P-51 Mustang
The 99th Pursuit Squadron, along with other African American units that followed, trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama beginning in 1941. By 1943, these aviators were deemed combat-ready and assigned ground attack and close air support missions in the Mediterranean Theater. Flying the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the 99th destroyed enemy tanks, ships, railcars, and troop positions. It was during these missions that the Tuskegee Airmen demonstrated their combat prowess, eventually earning the prestigious role of bomber escorts for 8th Air Force missions over Europe.
Pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, “Tuskegee Airmen,” the elite, all-African American 332nd Fighter Group at Ramitelli, Italy., from left to right, Lt. Dempsey W. Morgran, Lt. Carroll S. Woods, Lt. Robert H. Nelron, Jr., Capt. Andrew D. Turner, and Lt. Clarence P. Lester. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The Tuskegee Airmen later transitioned to the North American P-51 Mustang, painting the tails of their aircraft red—a distinctive feature that earned them the nickname “Red Tails.” Just as they had in the Mediterranean, they excelled in the bomber escort role. These skilled pilots remained dedicated to protecting B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator crews, staying with them throughout their missions. Their remarkable service and unwavering commitment cemented their legacy, which continues to be honored and remembered today.
The Tuskegee Airmen flew a 332nd FTR P-51 Mustang for bomber support over western Europe.
Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
