USS Carl Vinson and Tuskegee Airmen Continue Military Legacy

SOUTH CHINA SEA

10.06.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Huntington 

USS Carl Vinson   

A Legacy of Excellence
By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Christian M. Huntington

SOUTH CHINA SEA – In 1941, the U.S. War Department established the 99th Pursuit Squadron, containing the first black aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. These men would later become more commonly known as the “Tuskegee Airmen” or “Red Tails.” Almost 80 years later, one of the last surviving members of this elite unit took part in a ceremony to continue his family’s legacy of military excellence.
Earlier this year, Lt. Aric McGee, flag aide to commander , Carrier Strike Group ONE, found out that he was promoted to the rank of Lt. Cmdr. McGee chose his cousin, retired, Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee, U.S. Air Force, as the presiding officer.
Due to a rapidly approaching deployment and the state of the world in the midst of a pandemic, McGee knew his promotion ceremony would not be a typical experience.
“When I learned that I would be promoting in August, my heart sank a bit,” said McGee. “I knew we would be deploying Aug. 2 and

I didn’t think that in a world of COVID-19, with travel restrictions and the potential health risks to my family, that their participation would be possible.”
McGee reached out to his family to see if there was a way to make the ceremony happen despite the obstacles presented.
“I spoke to my wonderful girlfriend, and she was able to coordinate a day soon after Aug. 1 that worked for my family and friends so we were able to have maximum participation after the ship departed San Diego for the last time in 2021,” said McGee.
Now, there was only one more problem to address, how do you get everyone together, while on a ship that has just deployed? Prior to deployment, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) recently installed its own Wi-Fi system.
“Having this capability enabled us to set up my personal iPad on a stand, log into a Zoom meeting and coordinate with my family to watch the ceremony,” said McGee. “My cousin Charles was able to sit in the comfort of his home, as my presiding officer, and helped me reaffirm my Oath of Office. The Wi-Fi was invaluable to allow Charles at 101 years of age to participate in this ceremony.”
McGee says he knew for a while who he wanted as his presiding officer, and that he was just waiting for the right moment.
“I chose him because of his legacy to the McGee family,” said
McGee. “I always wanted to him to participate in a military ceremony and I knew that I needed to make this ceremony happen with him. You never know if you’ll ever get that chance again.”
Charles E. McGee’s accomplishments, which have long been honored by his family, have recently been recognized by our country and even a former U.S. president.
“I’m one of the few living Red Tail fighter pilots,” said Charles McGee. “I take pleasure in continuing my service as the president of the National Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and I was fortunate enough to be meritoriously promoted by former president of the United States, Donald Trump, to the rank of Brig. Gen. in 2019 as recognition of lifelong service to our wonderful country.”
Lt. Cmdr. McGee takes great pride in carrying on his family’s illustrious legacy, day-in and day-out.
“I carry the legacy proudly and realize that Charles has left impossibly large shoes to fill with his lifetime of accolades and achievements,” said McGee. “I do my very best every single day to honor my family, Charles McGee’s legacy, our service and our country.”
In 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 desegregating the U.S. Armed Forces and mandating equality of opportunity and treatment, thus marking the end of the Tuskegee Airman. Their legacy is carried on by Lt. Cmdr. McGee, and all the other brave men and women who have chosen the opportunity to serve this country, much like those who came before them.
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• Date Taken: 10.06.2021
• Date Posted: 12.30.2021 18:47
• Story ID: 411964
• Location: SOUTH CHINA SEA