In a special celebration, Princess Cruises welcomed Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III, one of the few surviving Tuskegee Airmen, aboard Discovery Princess in Seattle for a commemorative cruise to Alaska, ahead of his 100th birthday.

Lt Col Harvey, a retired United States Army Air Corps and Air Force officer, played a significant role in breaking racial barriers in the military as part of the distinguished group of African American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen, who served with great distinction during World War II. The McChord Field Honor Guard honored Harvey and his family by presenting colors, showcasing a traditional display by the United States Air Force. The festivities reached their pinnacle when the crew of Discovery Princess presented Lt Col Harvey with a birthday cake, accompanied by warm birthday wishes from hundreds of shipmates.

“It’s our sincere honor to celebrate the 100^th birthday of Lieutenant Colonel Harvey III, a trailblazer, hero, and real ‘Top Gun,’” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “His life and legacy should remind everyone the power of courage, determination, resilience and the American spirit. From all of us at Princess Cruises, we salute Lt. Col. Harvey and wish him a very happy 100^th birthday!”

Lieutenant Colonel James H. Harvey III embarked on a commemorative cruise aboard Discovery Princess to celebrate his upcoming 100th birthday. Harvey made history as the first African American USAF jet fighter combat pilot during the Korean War, completing 140 missions between 1949 and 1950. He was also part of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of 1,007 trained pilots who fought in World War II. In 2006, he received the Congressional Gold Medal along with his fellow Tuskegee Airmen.

Notably, Harvey and his team won the inaugural “Top Gun” competition in 1949, showcasing their exceptional aerial skills. After a distinguished military career spanning 22 years, Harvey retired and pursued a corporate sales role at Oscar Mayer. Currently residing in Denver, he will engage in discussions onboard Discovery Princess, sharing his extraordinary experiences with fellow passengers. The cruise ship offers weeklong journeys from Seattle to Alaska every Sunday until September.

• Carnival Welcomes Military Families, Freedom Rings
• Airline Salutes Our Troops, Again
• Army Service Dog Earns Top Past Guest Status
• A Hero’s Welcome On Holland America Line