WOMEN IN AVIATION
From the first women who were allowed to enlist in the U.S. Navy in 1917 to the first female Naval Aviator who earned her wings of gold in 1974, women in aviation have worked to break down barriers and expand their opportunities. Decade after decade these women made strides forward, challenging traditional gender roles in the military and paving a way for future generations to succeed. This work continues today and very close to home. Meet some incredible women who have contributed to naval aviation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
They are not just pilots, naval flight officers, test and evaluation specialists, engineers, photographers, and mechanics. They are also educators, mentors, trailblazers, pioneers, and today’s emerging leaders in STEM and naval aviation fields. Their stories help remind us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible for women and the work is never finished.
PROFILES
“If someone tells you ‘you can’t do it,’ prove them wrong. Do your best, don’t worry about the pushback, and then no one can fault you.”
Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired
“It’s not a matter of if you are going to meet challenge or resistance, but a matter of when and how you deal with it."
Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired
“Be prepared for any opportunity, work hard, have thick skin, be competent, have fun, and most of all, be a good teammate.”
Captain, U.S. Navy
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy
“What made my success was adopting an early motto of ‘challenge accepted.”
“I love leading people. I’m a people person. Working with others and making the mission happen is incredibly rewarding.”
Captain, U.S. Navy, Retired
Petty Officer 1st Class, U.S. Navy
“Girls can do anything guys can do if you set your mind to it.”
Flight Test Engineer, Civilian
"Make sure to fiercely guard your technical integrity."
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do, especially young girls who shy away from science. The opportunities are there but you must seek them out.”
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, Retired
“You don’t know everything. You have to focus on listening to the perspectives you find and you’ve got to go after as broad of a perspective as you can in solving any problem.”
Engineer, Civilian
“Do the hardest things you can possibly envision yourself doing because those are the most rewarding.”
Captain U.S. Navy Reserves, Retired
“Find good mentors and follow your passion, because the barriers are not greater than the rewards of service.”
Lieutenant Commander, NOAA Corps
“There should be no barriers to thinking you can succeed in the military and there are many women who have. As my parents told me, ‘you can do it and should do it because you are independent, smart, and skilled.”
Flight Test Engineer, Civilian
"Life is not about one choice, or one path, you can always choose again. Dreams get started by saying yes to an opportunity no matter how big or small."
Commander, U.S. Navy Reserves
“To all the youth and young girls interested in any STEAM field, I would tell you to not only follow your passion but to never ever let obstacles get in your way. Your passion and resilience will sustain you through the lows and make the highs so much sweeter!”
Photographer, Civilian
“The military and STEM fields are challenging but extremely rewarding - on a personal level (esteem, confidence, independence) and even a financial level. Those fields will create opportunities you would not have otherwise, especially being a test pilot. It will open doors to an exclusive part of aviation. The only one in your way to achieving your dreams and goals is yourself. To be the best of yourself, you must embrace all of yourself. Be proud of who you are.”
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Instructor Pilot (ASO)