[3] Since the 1990s,[4] the Red Tail Squadron has raised over $2 million (US) for the aircraft's two restorations, its ongoing maintenance and associated educational programs.

[9] In 1970, frustrated with restoration efforts, Creek donated the P-51C to the CAF, which disassembled the aircraft and shipped it to the organization's home base in Texas.

Several CAF volunteers attempted to rehab the aircraft in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Texas, Council Bluffs, Iowa, and finally in the late 1980s at the home of the Southern Minnesota wing of the CAF, which had just completed the restoration of the North American B-25 Mitchell bomber, Miss Mitchell.

After noting the P-51C was in need of restoration, Don Hinz channeled his energy and talents into the emerging Red Tail project.

[11] The Commemorative Air Force, which has approximately 9,000 members and a fleet of 156 aircraft, is an educational association with the purpose to pay tribute to American military aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance.

The P-51C, which was named "Tuskegee Airmen",[15] was included in numerous air shows to tell the history of the pilot group.

In a May 2004 show in Red Wing, Minnesota the camshaft drive of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine failed.

Although Hinz successfully landed the aircraft between two houses in a residential suburb, both wings were ripped off and the body was badly damaged.

He was attracted to both the aircraft and the cause, and his 2007 historical documentary, Red Tail Reborn won Emmy Award recognition in his home state of Ohio, where it was first broadcast in February 2007, and, subsequently released on DVD in March of that year.

[27][28] Narrated by Michael Dorn of Star Trek fame, himself a pilot and warbird owner, the film documents the difficulties of the restoration of the P-51C and the travails of the Tuskegee Airmen.

[30] In 2005, the Red Tail Project, which is not for profit,[31] sought to raise about $2 million to fund the initial restoration.

[34] For example, in Wahpeton, North Dakota, where the aircraft was restored, each August, the "Red Tail Run" is held.

This motorcycle and vehicle run, which starts at the Harry Stern Airport, raises money for the project.

[37] The CAF Red Tail Squadron endeavors to preserve the legacy of the airmen through aviation education.

[40] The traveling exhibit goes to air shows with the Red Tail Project Mustang and spends 40 weeks per year at schools and places where young people congregate.