Resting on a grass-covered field at Rickenbacker International Airport is a mural that tells a story: one of the Tuskegee Airmen, pioneer pilots who carved their legacy into Columbus aviation history. Today, the mural stands as a tribute to these airmen, reminding us of the sacrifices that shaped the skies above us.
The story of the Tuskegee airmen
July 1945. The Tuskegee Airmen landed in the Lockbourne Army Airfield, the former grounds of Rickenbacker International Airport, in the heat of World War II. They showed bravery and sacrifice as part of the 477th Bombardment Group, and they also challenged systemic barriers as African American pilots, laying foundation for a more diverse military.
Today, the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen lives on, inspiring generations of aviators, service members, and those who walk by the mural today, admiring a rich part of Ohio history preserved in time.
Adam Hernandez, the visionary behind the mural
After 25 letters were submitted by artists requesting to paint the mural, Columbus-based artist Adam Hernandez was chosen by the selection committee in 2023. Drawing inspiration from an idea that was first conceptualized by an airport employee, Hernandez began working on the project.
Blending his own vibrant style with a vision of honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, Hernandez created a mosaic that told it all: General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. gazing hopefully into the distance alongside the row of cadets and pilots, the American flag waving into a backdrop of sky-blue, and fighter planes with red tails showing the heat of the action.
Hernandez, who believes in the value of communicating and inspiring through public art, noted that contributing to the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy was “truly an honor.”
Visit the Tuskegee Airmen mural in Murals Across Ohio
To celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, America 250-Ohio partnered with the Ohio Arts Council to introduce Murals Across Ohio, a statewide initiative featuring murals across all 88 counties, with the Tuskegee Airmen mural featured as part of the lineup.
We’re honored to showcase this mural alongside the inspiring stories being told across the state. Each mural in this program reflects local culture, community, and deep-rooted history, all while honoring artists like Hernandez who bring these stories to life.
Directions to the Tuskegee mural
To view the Tuskegee Airmen mural, head to Rickenbacker International Airport, 7400 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43217. Follow the signs on Alum Creek Drive over to the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. The mural is adjacent to the air traffic control tower and is open to the public at any time.
Explore an interactive map of Murals Across Ohio and start planning your gallery walk of Ohio’s history.
About Rickenbacker International Airport
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) is one of the world’s only cargo-focused airports, moving airfreight between planes and trucks faster than any other global gateway. Rickenbacker is strategically located within a 10-hour drive of 45% of the US and a third of the Canadian population, offering a regional geographic advantage. Rickenbacker supports the world’s largest aircraft, while also offering a wide range of scalable services for all aircraft types, including corporate, general aviation, commercial, air freight, and military. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority connects Ohio with the world by managing and operating Rickenbacker Airport as well as passenger-focused John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and general aviation airport Bolton Field (TZR). Connect with CRAA online.