Navy Selects New Female Aviator For F-35C Training

Tuesday, November 09, 2021 at 10:33 PM ET

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Capt. Beth Regoli, left, joins Lt. j.g. Suzelle Thomas following Thomas’ naval aviator winging ceremony at Naval Air Station Meridian Oct. 29. Credit: Penny Randall

Key Takeaways:

Lt. j.g. Suzelle Thomas is the first woman in the U.S. Navy to be selected for F-35C Lightning II training directly after earning her "Wings of Gold."
Her selection for the advanced, single-seat stealth fighter aircraft was based on her strong performance and leadership during initial flight training.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for women in naval aviation, paving the way for her to pilot one of the Navy's most advanced tactical jets.

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The U.S. Navy has selected newly minted naval aviator Lt. j.g. Suzelle Thomas to train for the F-35C Lightning II, marking the first time a woman has gone from earning her “Wings of Gold” to postgraduate flight training in the single-seat fighter aircraft, according to the service.

Lt. j.g. Suzelle Thomas. Credit: Penny Randall

Thomas’ selection was announced after the Birmingham, Alabama, native and student aviator assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 7 at Naval Air Station Meridian graduated flight training, receiving her Wings of Gold on October 29. She also has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in security studies.