Tracy Bevington
About Tracy Bevington
Tracy Bevington is the SVP of Commercial Product and Services at Boom, known for her pivotal role as the chief flight instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen and her significant contributions to military desegregation.
Title at Boom
Tracy Bevington holds the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Product and Services at Boom. In this role, Bevington is responsible for overseeing the development and deployment of commercial products and services within the company.
Role as Chief Flight Instructor for Tuskegee Airmen
Tracy Bevington served as the chief flight instructor for the Tuskegee Airmen. In this capacity, Bevington was instrumental in training the pilots who would become part of America's first all-Black fighter squadron. Bevington's efforts significantly contributed to the success of the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II.
Development of Pilot Training Program at Tuskegee Institute
Tracy Bevington developed the pilot training program at the Tuskegee Institute. This program was crucial for preparing the Tuskegee Airmen for combat missions. Under Bevington's guidance, the program effectively trained numerous pilots who went on to serve with distinction.
Historical Flight with Eleanor Roosevelt
In 1941, Tracy Bevington took First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on a flight. This event was significant as it brought national attention to the capabilities and progress of the Tuskegee Airmen. The flight demonstrated the skills and professionalism of the pilots trained under Bevington's supervision.
Command Roles with the 99th Pursuit Squadron
Tracy Bevington was selected as the Ground Commander and Chief Instructor for the 99th Pursuit Squadron, America’s first all-Black fighter squadron. Bevington played a key role in preparing the squadron for its missions. The squadron operated various aircraft, including the Curtiss P-40 Warhawks and the North American P-51 Mustangs.
Tuskegee Airmen Combat Achievements
The Tuskegee Airmen, trained and led by individuals like Tracy Bevington, flew 1,378 combat missions during World War II. The 450 Airmen who saw combat earned over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, showcasing their exceptional performance in the war.
First African American Air Transport Pilot’s License
Tracy Bevington became the first African American to receive an air transport pilot’s license from the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1932. This achievement paved the way for future aviators and was a significant milestone in the history of aviation.
Contribution to Military Desegregation
Tracy Bevington played a part in bringing about the desegregation of the military. Through his work and leadership with the Tuskegee Airmen, Bevington's contributions helped to challenge and change existing policies, leading to greater integration of the armed forces.