Hey friend! Welcome back to another post! Today, we’re talking about the Charles B. Airpark next to Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Let’s get started!
Major Charles B. Hall
The airpark was renamed the “Charles B. Hall Airpark” on June 18, 2002 after Major Charles B. Hall.
Major Hall worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 18 years from 1949 to 1967.
Major Hall was a Tuskegee Airman from the 99th Pursuit Squadron which was a part of the 332nd Fighter Group. He was the first African American pilot to down an enemy aircraft during World War II. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross among other awards.
The plaque next to the Major Charles B. Hall statue reads:
Major Charles B Hall & The Tuskegee Airmen
“On 2 July 1943, then 1Lt. Charles B Hall of Brazil, Indiana, a Tuskegee Airman trained at Tuskegee Field, AL, earned the distinction of being the first African-American to shoot down and enemy aircraft from his P-40 fighter over Tunisia, North Africa.”
“Major Charles B Hall went on to score a total of three aerial victories in combat. Major Hall moved to Oklahoma City after his military service and worked at Tinker Air Force Base for the Federal Aviation Administration until his death on 22 November 1971.”
“Tuskegee Airmen were awarded a total of 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 744 Air Medals, 8 Purple Hearts and 14 Bronze Stars for their service in combat. The full measure of their efforts, buoyed by their tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds, rampant discrimination and often deplorable conditions and treatment, is a testimony to the integrity of the Tuskegee Airmen. Indeed, the success of these airmen contributed greatly to the eventual racial integration of the US military.”
“This site is dedicated to Major Charles B Hall and the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.”
-Plaque from Charles B Hall Airpark in Midwest City
Rosie the Riveter
As someone who studies women’s history, I was super excited to see this statue at the Charles B. Hall Airpark. I knew it was Rosie before I made it over to the plaque. I really enjoyed learning the details about the women from Oklahoma!
The plaque in the right image above reads:
“Rosie the Riveter”
“The images of ‘Rosie the Riveter’ represented the vast number of female workers who filled jobs vacated by the men fighting in World War II. Their spirit of ‘we can do it’ inspired not only their contemporaries on the home front but each subsequent generation of working women in all fields of employment.”
“More than ten thousand Oklahoma women worked at the Douglas Aircraft Company and Tinker Field during this crucial period in the nation’s history.”
Dedicated March 23, 2000
Donated by the Tinker AFB Heritage Foundation
Air Force Medal of Honor Memorial
Prisoner of War Memorial
Historic Aircraft
There are numerous historic planes you can walk around in the airpark. I have included a handful of photos, but please know that these photos don’t event begin to scratch the surface of everything that is there… You’ll have to go check it out to see the other planes! Take some good walking shoes 🙂
B-47 Stratojet
EA-6B Prowler
Historic Plane 3
B-29 Superfortress
The plaque for the B-29 “Superfortress” reads:
“The B-29 superfortress served proudly in two major conflicts. During World War II the Boeing built bomber was well-suited for its long-range role of attacking the Japanese homeland from distant bases once again thrust into battle in 1950, the aircraft was used effectively against targets in North Korea.”
“From 1943 to 1953, the aircraft and its R-3350 engines were a significant part of the depot maintenance workload on Tinker AFB.”
Characteristics:
Span – 141 feet
Length – 99 feet
Height – 30 feet
Gross Weight – 137,000 pounds
Top Speed – 364 mph
Range – 4,200 miles
Ordinance – 20,000 pounds
Dedicated September 12, 1986
Maj Gen William P. Bowden
OC-ALC Commander
First Tornado Forecast
The first tornado forecast took place on March 25, 1948. The plaque in the photo below reads:
“This memorial is dedicated to the first operational tornado forecast issued in March 25, 1948, by Major Ernest J. Fawbush and Captain Robert C. Miller at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.”
“Issued several hours before a tornado struck Tinker Air Force Base, this first forecast proved severe weather could be anticipated with a reasonable degree of accuracy. This event focused national attention on forecasting tornadoes and warning the public of their potential danger.”
“Severe weather pioneers, Major Fawbush and Captain Miller developed tornado forecasting techniques still used today. The 1948 tornado forecast was the forerunner of today’s national severe weather forecasting and research program that protects lives and serves the American people.”
Dedicated March 25, 1998.
Concluding Thoughts
This was a cool place to visit! I remember driving by it a few times and always wanting to stop and check it out. I’m glad I had time one day to stop! I hope you’ll go check it out!
Happy traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon! 🙂
Visit
Located at the Air Depot Blvd. exit on Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City.
TRAVEL TIP: Parking and admission is free. You do NOT have to go on the base to see this airpark.
The Active Historian 
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