In a historic moment for the United States Navy, an unidentified aviator has accomplished a groundbreaking feat as the first American woman to achieve victory in air-to-air combat. This skilled fighter pilot successfully took down a Houthi drone, adding her name to the list of courageous women who have made their mark in the skies.
Flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet, a powerful military striker, during a nine-month combat deployment on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, this trailblazing pilot was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 32, affectionately known as the “Flying Swordsmen.” The Eisenhower, a pioneer in integrating women aviators into its operating crew since 1994, provided the setting for this incredible milestone in aviation history.
Throughout their deployment, the squadron displayed exceptional skill and dedication, having fired over 20 air-to-air missiles to defend merchant vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Led by Commander Jason Hoch, the Swordsmen returned to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach earlier this month, their service heralded as nothing short of historic.
Completing over 3,000 combat hours and more than 1,500 missions, the squadron’s deployment was truly unprecedented. Engaged in operations such as Inherent Resolve and Prosperity Guardian, they confronted threats posed by the Islamic State and the Houthi insurgency in Yemen. Additionally, they conducted strikes in Houthi-controlled areas and engaged in combat against deadly attack drones in the Red Sea.
These Houthi attacks, supported by Iran, have posed significant risks to commercial ships navigating vital international shipping routes. Tragically, lives have been lost in these attacks, highlighting the severity of the situation in the region. The bravery and skill displayed by this trailblazing female aviator and her fellow squadron members serve as a shining example of the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Navy to protect and defend against threats to international peace and security.
Reporting by Haley Ott.
