MONTGOMERY, Ala. - An all-black aircrew from Hurlburt Field, Fla., performed a flyover in an HC-130J gunship for the Red Tails Football Classic between two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) here on Sept. 3.
For the crew, it was more than an honor to be part of the flight - it was also an opportunity to inspire the next generation.
“I want them to be able to see someone who looks like them, doing something they aspire to do,” said Tech Sgt. Curtis Lassiter, a special missions aviator. “That’s something I didn’t really have, especially at the start of my career.”
When he arrived at his first flying squadron 16 years ago, Lassiter was one of only a handful of African Americans. Now with the 73rd Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Lassiter noted a lot has changed since then.
"(T)here’s been major strides,” he said.
Similarly, aircraft commander Capt. Malcom Lee recalls moments during his 17-year career where he was one of only a few African Americans in his squadron.
“But the fact that we are shifting to adapt and become more diverse and inclusive is so important.”
The flyover kicked off the football game between Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State.
The Red Tails Classic is held annually to recognition the famed Tuskegee Airmen – a group of African American military pilots and crews who fought in WWII.
The crew was also recognized on the field at halftime in front of the nearly 15,000 fans. (1st Special Operations Wing 09/03/23) Inspiring the next generation: all-black Gunship crew performs flyover at Red Tails Classic > Hurlburt Field > Article Display (af.mil)
No comments:
Post a Comment