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In November 1944, Boeing Stearman Army Air Corps Serial No 42-17724 rolled off the Wichita, Kansas assembly line. Two days later the aircraft arrived at Moton Field, Tuskegee Institute. This aircraft trained the first black pilots in the U.S. Armed Forces who would later become famous as the Tuskegee Airmen. Despite great odds, these men proved themselves so well in combat, that the bomber crews they were protecting began requesting them for fighter escort. The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen lives on, as these men led the way to desegregate the armed forces.

In February 2008, Boeing #42-17724 began its new role as the Spirit of Tuskegee. The Spirit of Tuskegee has a threefold mission

Educate the public about the accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, and its effect today.

Motivate the youth of our country to service and careers in the aerospace field.

Preserve a national treasure, one of the few surviving aircraft that flew with the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII.