MARCH 8, 2021 – A new series of displays at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force highlighting women’s achievements in their civilian and military careers, with an emphasis on the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors, was officially opened during a live-streamed virtual event March 5 at 6:30 p.m. EST with a pre-event at 6:20 p.m. EST.
The exhibit, titled “Women in the Air Force: From Yesterday into Tomorrow,” covers historical issues, changes in laws and attitudes, and women’s contributions to the Air Force mission. These displays, which are located throughout the museum, contain one of a kind artifacts used by women in the Air Force from many different eras.
In the “Early Years Gallery,” visitors can learn how British female pilots led the way beginning with Mary Wilkins-Ellis, who joined the Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary, or ATA, and transported aircraft from factories to active service squadrons during World War II.
The story of Jacqueline Cochran, who was ranked among the top female pilots of her era by setting an incredible number of records, and breaking men’s distance, altitude and speed achievements can be seen in the Early Years and World War II Galleries, as well as throughout the museum. Cochran would go on to become the founder and director of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, program, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal – the highest non-combat award – for her work in 1945.
New displays in the second building include one on the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Truman in 1948, and authorized women to serve permanently in all military branches. Among the stories featured in this building include that of Staff Sgt. Esther Blake, who became the first woman in the Air Force by enlisting on the first minute, of the first hour, of the first day that Air Force authorized women’s participation; and the heroic actions of Lt. Regina Aune and Lt. Harriet Goffinett, who carried many children to safety during Operation Babylift.
The drive to break down barriers is further illustrated by the Significant Women Silhouette – a uniquely designed display that introduces visitors to those who created new opportunities for women. The exhibit covers a diverse range of achievements such as the first American woman to fly solo in an airplane, Blanche Stuart Scott; the first woman to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart; the Air Force’s first female physician, Capt. Dorothy Elias; and the “Bouncing Bettys” award-winning munitions team.
Among the many “female firsts” on display in the third building are the first 10 graduates of the U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training program, or UPT; the first female fighter pilot, Jeannie Flynn Leavitt; the first female aerial gunner, Airman Vanessa Dobos; the first female to fly a fighter aircraft in combat, Capt. Martha McSally; and the first female F-35 Lightning II pilot, Lt. Col. Christine Mau.
The story of pilot Nichole Malachowski, who took her first solo flight at age 16, earning her pilot’s license before her driver’s license, and who later became the first female pilot on any U.S. military high performance jet team as a member of the U.S. Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” in 2005, is also featured in this building.
Amazing stories of courage are highlighted including Air National Guard pilot Lt. Heather Penney of the 121st Fighter Squadron. On Sept. 11, 2001, Penney, along with another pilot, received one-way orders to stop hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 as it headed towards Washington, D.C. Armed with shoot-to-kill orders, but no weapons, they were on a suicide mission with the full intention of ramming the Boeing 757 in order to protect national security. After sweeping the D.C. airspace for over an hour, the pilots learned the passengers had forced the aircraft down in a Pennsylvania field.
Another ground-breaking display titled “Moving Towards Equality” highlights milestones in legislation that brought policy changes on issues such as automatic discharge for pregnancy or having custody of minor children; the expansion of women’s rights allowing women to have the ability to serve in any military occupation, and further opportunities for advancement. In addition, female leaders who have overcome roadblocks, defeated biases and led the way in recent years are featured in a display titled Women Leading the Way.
Finally, in the fourth building, visitors can learn about the first American female astronaut to go into space, Sally Ride; the first U.S. military woman in space who was also the first woman to work aboard the International Space Station, Maj. Susan Helms; the first female space shuttle pilot, Maj. Eileen Collins; the first women to serve as commanders in orbit at the same time, Col. Pamela Melroy and Peggy Whitson; and some of the most important discoveries and inventions that female Air Force scientists, engineers, mathematicians, medical professionals and artists have developed over the years.
According to Christina Douglass, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force curator, telling the story of what women have overcome over many decades was an amazing experience and something she hopes future generations will come to appreciate.
“The ‘Women in the Air Force’ exhibit is packed with moving stories that exemplify the passion and dedication that women have had to have in order to overcome certain stereotypes – just to be able to serve our nation,” Douglass said. “My hope is that those who come to visit this exhibit will gain a better understanding about the sacrifices that were made by women in the past, never take what we have for granted and are inspired to continue to advocate for equality.”
By Rob Bardua, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force