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Tuskegee Airman celebrates 100th birthday with flight

December 8, 2019
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles McGee, center, a decorated veteran of three wars, receives a congratulatory a send off after visiting with 436 Aerial Port Squadron personnel at Dover Air Force Base to help celebrate his 100th birthday in Dover, Del., Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. McGee's birthday is Dec. 7. (David Tulis/AP)

FREDERICK, Md. — A member of the Tuskegee Airmen celebrated his 100th birthday by taking a flight.

Retired Army Air Forces Col. Charles McGee flew a private jet Friday between Frederick, Maryland, and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, news outlets reported.

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman and decorated veteran of three wars, is welcomed at Dover Air Force Base during a celebration for his 100th birthday Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, in Dover, Del. McGee's birthday is Dec. 7. (David Tulis/AP)
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman and decorated veteran of three wars, is welcomed at Dover Air Force Base during a celebration for his 100th birthday Friday, Dec. 6, 2019, in Dover, Del. McGee's birthday is Dec. 7. (David Tulis/AP)

The Tuskegee Airmen is the nickname of the first African American unit to fly combat airplanes in World War II. The Air Force recently honored the famed group of airmen with the naming of its new trainer jet.

McGee is one of the Air Force's most celebrated pilots. He flew 409 fighter combat missions over three wars.

McGee, who turned 100 on Saturday, attributes positive thinking to his longevity.

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