The mission of the Commemorative Air Force is to pay honor and tribute to all the heroes who made sacrifices in defense of our nation's freedom during WWII. We accomplish that mission by restoring and flying for public display the aircraft that helped us preserve these freedoms "Lest We Forget". That mission is accomplished throughout the country mainly through WWII air power displays as a small part of a larger air show. At times though we are very fortunate to participate in a venue whose sole purpose is to memorialize and honor our military heroes. Such was the call at Randolph Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas on March 28th.

The event is an annual "Tattoo"" which in itself deserves a little describing. Referring to our friendly "Webster" a Tattoo is a signal on a bugle or drum calling soldiers to their quarters at night. In Ireland a "Tattoo" involved a bagpiper walking the streets at the appropriate time piping at his loudest, signaling that it was time for the last sip of grog and for all soldiers to return to their military installation. In Great Britain, "Tattoo" is especially equated with remembering aviator brethren with a large group of aircraft flying in parade fashion just before sunset.

Approximately 50 aircraft participated in the Randolph "Tattoo" primarily modern inventory types: B-1 and B-2 bombers, F-15, F-16 and F-117 fighters, C-5 and C-17 cargo planes etc. WWII was represented with a T-6 Texan Trainer, a P39 Aircobra, a P-47 Thunderbolt, and P51C Mustang "TUSKEGEE Airmen". The aircraft all launched from Randolph AFB and held at prearranged holding points. At precisely 1900 the first aircraft arrived over a convention center site five miles north of Randolph and every 10 seconds thereafter another aircraft flew by the crowd of 30,000 saluting our military brethren. The finale consisted of 12 current Air Force aircraft in tight formation. This was a wonderful tribute to be a part of and a memorable experience for the "C" model.

The Tattoo also revealed some interesting information for the Red Tail Project. The 99th Fighter Squadron from WWII has been re-commissioned as the 99th Flying Training Squadron flying the T-1 jet. The squadron teaches pilots instructor skills as they proceed on to instructor positions in the Air Force training program. The current 99th squadron is memorializing the Tuskegee Airmen with life size murals on their walls and painting a portion of their aircraft tail red. The legend continues!

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