COLUMBUS, Ohio — Rickenbacker International Airport unveiled a mural that honors Tuskegee Airmen.

The mural, located at the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial and painted by Adam Hernandez, is an ode to the pilots that were stationed at Rickenbacker during World War II, from 1946 to 1949.

“Originally the idea of an airport employee, this mural represents part of our rich aviation heritage here in Central Ohio,” said Rickenbacker President and CEO Joseph Nardone in a press release. “We hope this expanded memorial celebrating the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen will inspire visitors.”

The process started in December 2023 with a call for artists to submit proposals, which garnered 25 letters of interest. In total, the project took six months to plan, sketch and paint.

The mural prominently features base commander Col. Benjamin Davis Jr., and it reflects on the courage patriotism of the airmen, Rickenbacker said.