NewsNation — The future of female pilots may be brightened by the over 75 students who recently attended a groundbreaking U.S. Space Force event focused on women in aviation.
On July 12, the Space Force held its inaugural “Fly Like a Girl” event at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, welcoming middle and high school students. The event featured live demonstrations of Space Force helicopters, combat planes, and refueling tankers, offering attendees a glimpse into the world of aviation.
“This event goes beyond introducing flying; it’s about sparking interest in all military aviation careers,” said U.S. Air Force Major Amanda Suter. “From pilots and combat systems officers to loadmasters and maintenance roles, every position is crucial to mission success.”
The departure of the HC-130J Combat King II, known for its versatility in humanitarian missions, disaster response, and evacuations, was a highlight of the event, generating significant excitement among attendees.
Madison, an 11th-grade student, expressed her enthusiasm: “My favorite part was getting up close to the equipment and hearing real stories from women in STEM. As someone interested in a STEM career, it’s inspiring to learn how other women have achieved their goals.”
The event also showcased the Ghost Robotic dog ground drone and highlighted various career opportunities in engineering, technical work, and logistics. Currently, the U.S. military employs 1,700 female pilots, who represent 8.1% of all pilot roles, according to the USSF Workforce Analytics Dashboard.
Frequently Asked Question
What was the purpose of the “Fly Like a Girl” event?
The event aimed to inspire and educate middle and high school students about various aviation-related careers in the military.
When and where did the “Fly Like a Girl” event take place?
The event took place on July 12 at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida.
Who attended the event?
Over 75 middle and high school students attended the event.
What types of demonstrations were featured at the event?
The event showcased Space Force helicopters, combat planes, and refueling tankers.
Who spoke about the event’s significance?
U.S. Air Force Major Amanda Suter spoke about the broader impact of the event on inspiring careers in aviation.
What careers in aviation were highlighted during the event?
The event highlighted careers such as pilots, combat systems officers, loadmasters, and maintenance roles, among others.
Why is the “Fly Like a Girl” event considered groundbreaking?
It is the Space Force’s first event specifically dedicated to encouraging young women to explore aviation and related military careers.
Conclusion
The “Fly Like a Girl” event marked a significant step in encouraging the next generation of female aviators. By providing hands-on demonstrations and insights into various aviation careers, the U.S. Space Force successfully highlighted the diverse opportunities within the military. This pioneering initiative not only showcases the Space Force’s commitment to inspiring young talent but also reinforces the importance of fostering interest in critical aviation roles. Through such events, the Space Force continues to pave the way for future leaders in aviation.
