- Rehana H.
- Sunday, March 14, 2021
Celebrating National Women’s History Month is a time to commemorate women’s contribution to history and society. It is a time dedicated to reflect, learn and honor the contributions of women who forged ahead and have made their mark in history.
In today’s world, more and more female figures are emerging. To celebrate women's history month, this blog honors an inspiring woman,and her story.
Forty-five years after Rosemary Mariner, in 1974, became the first woman to fly a tactical fighter jet and forty years after Brenda E. Robinson, the first Black female naval aviator, who earned her Wings of Gold in 1980, Madeline Swegle has also become a legendary figure in US history. Lt. J.G. Madeline Swegle became the U.S. Navy’s first Black female tactical fighter pilot in the service’s 110-year aviation history.
Swegle grew up in Burke, Virginia. She loved watching the Blue Angels zip through the sky and went with her family to watch the display each time it was in town. Her love for planes and encouragement from her parents gave Swegle the confidence she needed to enroll in the Naval Academy. During an interview, Swegle talked about her family. She said, “My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted”. Swegle graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017.
Before beginning the intense three-year training required to become a tactical air (TACAIR) pilot, Swegle had never been in an aircraft. Turns out she’s got a gift for it. She describes flying as an “exhilaration to be unmatched”. In her statement Swegle talked about her achievement and being the first black woman to have this title, "It would've been nice to see someone who looked like me in this role; I never intended to be the first. I hope it's encouraging to other people."
Reading about Swegle, it gives hopes to many. In the words on Vice President Kamala Harris, “The American dream belongs to all of us.”
Books to Read:
Read about women in uniform; their stories, achievements and determination. Check out books from the list below using your Richland Library card.