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 marks a significant milestone for women entering the single-seat fighter program immediately following initial flight training, distinguishing her from previous female F-35C pilots who transitioned from other aircraft.
Thomas was chosen for her exceptional performance, maturity, and leadership skills demonstrated during flight training.
She is now set to report for training at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125, the fleet replacement squadron for the F-35C.

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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.