Homecoming week at the University of Louisiana at Monroe began with an iconic display of the Warhawk spirit.
Members of Chennault Aviation and Military Museum brought a famed P-40 plane to Scott Plaza on the university’s campus Monday morning.
Chennault member Tom Shutt says the aircraft is synonymous with the work of Gen. Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers squadron. "It has markings of the Chinese Nationalist Army, whom General Chennault was supporting in the early years with the American Volunteer Group," he said.
The menacing shark teeth design at the nose of the plane highlighted the uniform of the ULM football team earlier this year. Shutt says he recently discovered that particular image was created by a company well-known for their work in animation.
"The shark face was actually produced by Disney artists and adopted for the military. It was not created for military, but it was fitting," said Shutt.
The Flying Tigers work took place prior to the initiation of the 14th Air Force that came later during World War II.
