The 25th AeroMat Conference and Exposition, held June 16-19 in Orlando, Fla., featured a theme of “the latest word in aerospace materials.” The well attended conference offered forward looking plenary sessions, multiple presentations about additive manufacturing, and more than 200 papers on topics ranging from aluminum, magnesium, and titanium to high-strength steels, high-temperature alloys, and thermomechanical processing.
As part of the festivities, ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, and Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI), Pittsburgh, partnered to put on an outstanding VIP reception featuring Lieutenant Colonel Leo Gray, one of 27 remaining Tuskegee Airmen from World War II. Gray shared some very interesting, funny, and personal stories from his time flying P-51 Mustangs over Germany, during nearly four years of active duty. Several tales involved combat missions, downing of German aircraft, and the oppressive racial prejudice so prevalent during the 1940s. Many audience members asked questions and encouraged Gray to keep telling stories, which he gladly did. As a parting gift, ASM and ATI gave away custom prints of a P-51 aircraft drawing made by aviation artist Ernie Boyette and signed by Lt. Col. Gray.
The catered event was enjoyed by all attendees and serves as a stark reminder of why aerospace innovation remains such an important endeavor. For more information, visit asminternational.org and atimetals.com.
Image caption – Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Leo Gray (left) with Phil Morton of ATI.
