Contact:  Clintandra Thompson
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cthompson@wallscomm.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLACK AVIATORS RELOCATE TO HISTORIC TUSKEGEE AIRFIELD
Group Looks Forward to Memorial Weekend Fly-In Celebration

NAIWashington, DC, January 31, 2006 – Negro Airman International (NAI) announced that it is relocating its headquarters from Savannah, Georgia to Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, where the legendary Tuskegee Airmen trained.  NAI made the announcement at a recent ground breaking ceremony for the new site at Moton Field Municipal Airport.

“The City of Tuskegee is elated that NAI has decided to locate their headquarters at Moton Field,” said Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford.  Ford added that NAI’s move would make Moton Field, “a marvelous destination point.”

Established in 1967, NAI is dedicated to furthering Black participation in Aviation.  "We have always had a facility here and throughout, the people of Tuskegee have always opened their doors to us.  Moving our headquarters here gives us an enhanced opportunity to conduct all of our operations in this historic spot," said Sam Jones, president of NAI.
In addition to hosting its Memorial Day Fly-In, Jones said the relocation offers:

  • Flight training programs
  • More classroom space for training
  • A General Aviation museum
  • Sleeping rooms for transient pilots: and
  • A single space airplane hanger. 

The new facility is part of an expansion project that will include a museum being built by the National Park Service, a new airport terminal, an additional hanger for airplanes, and a new parking lot.

NAI also announced that it is partnering with the Tuskegee Chamber of Commerce, the National Park Service, and the City of Tuskegee to make the 2006 Memorial Weekend Fly-In a showcase event for the City of Tuskegee and a destination event for fans of aviation everywhere.  The 35th Annual Memorial Weekend Fly-In -- in which NAI members and supporters throughout the country fly into Tuskegee to participate in a weekend of entertainment and festivities -- will take place in Tuskegee, May 25-28, 2006.
The Memorial Weekend Fly-In features:

  • An air show at Moton Field;
  • A concert starring Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and Blue Magic; and
  • A banquet in which National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Editor-in Chief George Curry will be the keynote speaker.

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The oldest organization of its kind, the Negro Airmen International, Inc. (NAI) is dedicated to public education, and international service in support of personal and professional opportunities for Black people through aviation.