U.S. Navy Pronounces First-Ever Black Female Tactical Jet Pilot

The U.S. Navy correct presented its first Black female fighter pilot in 110 years of aviation. 

Staunch months after The Bachelor forged its first Black lead and NASCAR named Brehanna Daniels as its first Black lady in a pit crew, Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle made historical past by turning into the Navy’s first-ever Black female tactical jet pilot following the completion of her Tactical Air (Strike) aviator practising this month. 

The chief of Naval Air Practicing (CNATRA) presented the data on Twitter Thursday, July 9, congratulating Swegle on the completion of her practising and giving her a “BZ” or “Bravo Zulu,” which it sounds as if methodology “effectively carried out.”

The Navy also confirmed she’s going to get her gold wings in a ceremony later this month.

The tweet incorporated photos of Swegle wearing her pilot’s uniform and posing in front of a military airplane.

The achievement makes Swegle the major identified Black lady who has been licensed for the TACAIR mission. She’s now licensed to fly fighter aircrafts such because the F/A-18E/F Tall Hornet, EA-18G Growler or F-35C Joint Strike Fighter, in step with Militia.com.

The Virginia native graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017 and is currently assigned to the Redhawks of Practicing Squadron 21 in Kingsville, Texas, in step with military newspaper Stars and Stripes.

Rear Adm. Paula D. Dunn, the Navy’s vice chief of data, praised Swegle on social media following the announcement, writing, “Very contented with LTJG Swegle. Coast forth and kick butt.”

Scott Kelly, a retired astronaut and naval aviator, also congratulated Swegle on Twitter. “Welcome to one of the top flying organization on earth,” he wrote. “Fly Navy, and fly stable!”

Swegle’s sister Sophie applauded her sibling’s achievement as effectively, tweeting, “Staunch my older sister being a boss on each day basis of her existence. Comfy alongside with her does now not even quilt it.”

Her historical past-making accomplishment comes nearly 50 years after Rosemary Mariner grew to vary into the major lady in the Navy to fly tactical jets, in step with Stars and Stripes, and 25 years after retired U.S. Air Power Lieutenant Colonel Martha McSally grew to vary into the major lady to fly in strive in opposition to.