Feb 3, 2025

Central Florida Veterans Featured In Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit At Orlando International Airport

Tuskegee airmen at the Ramitelli air base. (Photographer Toni Frissell)

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport is honoring the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s first African-American military pilots in a new community exhibit.

This exhibition celebrates Black History Month and the state of Florida’s inaugural Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law an annual holiday commemorating the sacrifices of the Tuskegee Airmen to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of March.

Florida played a pivotal role in the effort to train nearly 1,000 pilots and nearly 14,000 navigators, bombardiers, instructors, mechanics, control tower operators, and other support staff as part of the “Tuskegee Experience.” With training fields throughout Florida, the group of primarily African-American airmen flew 1,578 missions during two years of World War II. Despite their distinguished achievements and valor, the Tuskegee Airmen faced discrimination and were subjected to segregation.

“Honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen through this exhibition is a meaningful way to celebrate and recognize the contributions of these pioneering pilots,” said Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). “By showcasing their remarkable story, we hope to not only educate and inspire travelers, but also enrich their journey with a deeper appreciation of how the Tuskegee Airmen made history.”

At least four Tuskegee Airmen called Central Florida home, including:

  • Chief Master Sergeant Richard C. Hall, Jr. (1923 – 2021) Winter Park
  • Lt. Daniel K. Keel, Jr. (1922 – Present) Clermont
  • Lt. Col. Robert C. Hughes (1924 – 2022) Brevard County
  • Lt. Raymond Cassagnol (1920 – 2023) Seminole County

Hall was an aircraft mechanic in the 99th Fighter Pursuit Squadron, served 30 years in the military, and was one of the first African-American Chief Master Sergeants. Hall was the founder and president of the Central Florida chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., in Winter Park, where he worked tirelessly to promote awareness for the contributions of African-American pilots within the broader narrative of American military history.

The exhibition includes a gallery of images by photographer Toni Frissell, which may be the only photos taken of the airmen in Europe by a professional photographer.

“Florida Celebrates the Tuskegee Airmen, the First African-American Military Pilots” is on display through April 21, 2025, in the Community Exhibition Gallery area on Level 3 of Terminal A. The State of Florida’s Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day is Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.