New Apple TV series highlights Savannah-born Mighty Eighth Air Force. What to know

Savannah is known for many things — SCAD, its grand oak trees and Spanish moss, and being the first city established in Georgia. What you may not know about the Hostess City is that it is also the birthplace of the Eighth Air Force, which became the largest and most powerful air force in the world by the end of World War II. The story of the 350,000 men who served will be making its way to your screen on Jan. 26, when Masters of the Air premieres on Apple TV+. The show was produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

The Cast: In 'Masters of the Air,' Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan and cast formed real friendships

Who were the Mighty Eighth Airmen?

The Mighty Eighth Air Force was activated in Savannah on Jan. 28, 1942, at what is now the American Legion on Bull Street. The United States Army Air Corps assigned seven men to form the Eighth Air Force, which became the largest, most powerful air armada in the world.

The volunteers that chose to take on the daunting experiment of taking the air, when for centuries people had fought only ground wars, were aged 18-22.

By the end of World War II, over 350,000 men will have served in the Air Force, while over 28,000 were shot, or captured as prisoners of war. 26,000 members were killed, the most of any branch in the U.S. Military.

How to watch Masters of the Air

Masters of the Air will premiere this Friday, Jan. 26 on Apple TV+, brushing up against the 82nd anniversary of the Eighth Air Force's founding, which is on Sunday, Jan. 28.

Masters of the Air Trailer

What actors are in masters of the air?

The cast of Masters of the Air is stacked, which includes Austin Butler who received multiple awards and nominations for his portrayal of Elvis, is playing Major Gale "Buck" Cleven. Alongside Butler is Callum Turner, who recently stared in the biographical film The Boys in the Boat, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Secrets of Dumbledore, is playing Major John C. Egan. Straight off the set of Saltburn is Barry Keoghan, who also starred in WW2 film Dunkirk. He's set to play Lt. Curtis Biddick. Anthony Boyle who made an appearance in Tetris is playing Lt. Harry Crosby.

Where was Masters of the Air filmed?

It was filmed in Hemel Hempstead's Old Town. No filming took place in Savannah, however a tour guide at The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force said that Apple TV sent an audio crew to record the sound of gun turrets on the B-17 and B-24 turning, so the sound was accurate.

Does Savannah have a historical marker for the Mighty Eighth?

There is a historical marker honoring the birthplace of the Eighth Air Force in front of the American Legion. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is in Pooler and is the only museum in the nation dedicated to them. Masters of the Air is also based on Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys who fought the air war against Nazi Germany by Donald Miller, who conducted research and did interviews at the museum.

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Masters of the Air release date, how to watch, streaming info