Women In Aviation

Women in Aviation: Exploring Their Diverse Contributions to NAS Patuxent River and Beyond

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.