The U.S. Air Force has decided to eliminate teachings about the Tuskegee Airmen—over 15,000 Black pilots, mechanics, and cooks who served in the segregated Army during World War II—according to a confirmation from a military official reported by Reuters on Saturday.

Additionally, content featuring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs)—a group of female pilots who supported the war effort by flying aircraft during World War II—has also been removed from the basic training curriculum, the report states.

The Tuskegee Airmen operated as a fighter unit from 1940 until 1952, being the very first African American military aviators in World War II. They flew over 15,000 sorties and successfully downed more than 100 German planes.

This action coincided with President Donald Trump’s initial week in office, following his directive to discontinue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Among the Black aviators were 450 pilots who completed their training at Moton Field in Alabama. Their achievements prompted President Harry Truman to issue an Executive Order that led to the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces in July 1948.

YSL News has reached out to the Air Force for comments.

Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. responds to curriculum changes

On Saturday, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. issued a statement to YSL News, expressing their disappointment and strong disapproval regarding the decision to remove the story of the Tuskegee Airmen from Air Force training. They emphasized the critical role these soldiers played in American history during the war.

“It is our belief that the material in these courses does not favor one group of service members or citizens over another,” the statement asserts. “It is simply an important aspect of U.S. military history that all service members ought to learn about.”

“We urge the President and the Secretary of Defense to promptly reverse this decision and provide clear directives to all government entities to restore the courses to their previous status,” the statement insists. “As a nonprofit organization, we must remain nonpartisan. The views we share today reflect our commitment as a military heritage group to accurately portray the complete history of all World War II service members, irrespective of their race, gender, or national origin.”

Who were the Women Airforce Service Pilots?

The Air Force Historical Support Division notes that WASPs operated at 126 bases nationwide, where they towed targets for gunnery exercises and served as instructors for the Eastern Flying Training Command.

Tragically, 38 WASPs lost their lives while serving, with 11 casualties occurring during training and 27 during missions, according to the division.

This story has been revised to include new information.

Contributions by: Reuters and Tom Vanden Brooks

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter. Follow her on X @nataliealund.