First Female Navy Pilot Scores Air-to-Air Kill in Red Sea Battle

The U.S. Navy recently made history when a female pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, known as the “Fighting Swordsmen,” became the first woman to score an air-to-air kill during a deployment in the Red Sea. Flying an F/A-18F Super Hornet, she successfully took down a Houthi drone in the region, where the Iranian-backed group has been engaged in conflict with American troops for several months.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for female fighter pilots in the U.S. military, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt and Lt. Kara Hultgreen. VFA 32, based out of Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., played a crucial role in combat missions in the Red Sea, firing more than 20 air-to-air missiles against the Houthi rebels who were threatening merchant ships with rockets and drones.

Under the leadership of Cmdr. Jason Hoch, the squadron executed over 1,500 combat missions and demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery in challenging circumstances. The Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier strike group, to which VFA 32 belongs, recently completed its nine-month deployment in the Middle East and returned home in July. The Pentagon has since rotated in the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group to continue operations in the region.

This historic achievement highlights the dedication and expertise of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, as well as the importance of diversity and inclusion in the armed forces. The bravery and success of this female pilot serve as an inspiration to women in the military and beyond.