First Air Force Female Black Fighter Pilot

May 4th, 2008

This story comes to us through drumbeats from the Electronic Village

The article doesn’t distinguish if she’s the first Black female fighter pilot in just the Air Force, or iin all the military because the Navy and Army have fighter pilots as well; which to me is really annoying seeing as it is the obvious question.

Meet the Air Force’s first female African-American fighter pilot by Senior Airman Justin Weaver
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Major Shawna R. Kimbrell

Maj. Shawna R. Kimbrell, 555th Fighter Squadron, is the first African-American female fighter pilot in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Wood)

While most fourth grade girls talk about being a ballerina, veterinarian, doctor or princess, Shawna Rochelle (Ng-A-Qui) Kimbrell, knew she wanted to take to the skies
The Parker, Colo., native initially wanted to be an astronaut, but decided it would be more fun to fly a fighter jet.

“I fell in love with the idea of the freedom of flying and after my first flight lesson at age 14, I never looked back,” said Major Kimbrell, who is currently the flight commander of Aircrew Flight Equipment.

It was that determination which led Major Kimbrell to become the first female African-American fighter pilot in the Air Force.

“I am still amazed that in this day and age there is still so much room for firsts especially for females and for African-Americans,” Major Kimbrell said. “It is an important step for progression and although I am not fond of the spotlight I think it is important for people to know that this barrier has been breeched. Especially for the African-American community and for women to know what types of opportunities are available to them.”

Up until only 15 years ago, piloting a multi-million dollar, multi-role F-16 combat aircraft was reserved solely for men. Then, in 1993, the secretary of defense permitted women to enter fighter pilot training. Although women have been entering pilot training since 1976, before 1993, government officials did not believe women had “what it took” for combat.

Major Kimbrell knew she “had what it took” and after graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1998 and went on to complete intense pilot training receiving her pilot wings in August, 1999.
“Pilot training was one of the best times in my life and I made some life-long friendships,” Major Kimbrell said. “For two years, every move you make is graded and scrutinized.”…

Female fighter pilots in the military have recently created a Web site to help bring together and strengthen the camaraderie of women pilots. The “Chick Fighter Pilot Association,” www.fighterchicks.com, has three goals: Encourage and strengthen mutual support in our unique environment, help each other succeed and provide a professional and social network for women in fighter roles.

“It is very important that we have an open line of communication among the women of this community because there are certain daily challenges that we face that should not have to be tackled by each of us separately,” said Major Kimbrell.

Major Kimbrell has flown the F-16, T-38, T-37 and T-3 and has logged more than 900 flying hours in the F-16, including 176 combat hours. Her military decorations include the Air Medal with one device, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

Read full article at Black Military World

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3 Responses to “First Air Force Female Black Fighter Pilot”

  1. Shelia on May 4th, 2008 6:58 am | link

    Yet another highly achieving female making me proud to spell my name w-o-m-a-n.

    What an incredible sista!

  2. MacDaddy on May 5th, 2008 4:35 pm | link

    This is cool. I’m putting her photo on my sidebar.

  3. D. Yobachi Boswell on May 5th, 2008 7:40 pm | link

    Shelia, It is an incrideble accomplishment. I don’t think I even knew they were letting women fly jets in combat.

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