The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. They were the first African American military aviators in the U.S. armed forces, and their achievements helped pave the way for the integration of the military.

Formally known as the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, the Tuskegee Airmen received their training at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. This airfield was part of the Tuskegee Institute, a historically black college founded by Booker T. Washington. The Tuskegee Airmen received their primary flight training, advanced flight training, and specialized combat training at this institution.

Despite facing racial discrimination and prejudice, the Tuskegee Airmen excelled in their training and combat missions. They flew over 15,000 sorties during the war, providing vital escort protection for bombers and earning a reputation for their skill and bravery. The Airmen's success helped debunk the myth of African American inferiority and played a significant role in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. military.

Tuskegee University played a crucial role in the development and success of the Tuskegee Airmen, as it provided the facilities and training grounds for these pioneering aviators. The partnership between the military and the university showcased the potential of African Americans in aviation and helped advance the cause of civil rights in the United States.