Good FLYING Reads: Pinning on Wings of Gold

The first female U.S. Navy pilots form a fascinating subject for author Beverly Weintraub.

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 06:03 PM ET

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Barbara Ann Allen (right with Judith Ann Neuffer) was the first to receive her "Wings of Gold" on February 22, 1974. [Courtesy: U.S. Navy]

Key Takeaways:

Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt initiated the integration of women into naval flight training in the early 1970s to address morale and personnel shortages within the U.S. Navy.
The first class of six women began naval flight training in October 1972, with Barbara Ann Allen becoming the first to earn her "Wings of Gold" in February 1974.
Despite earning their wings, these pioneering female aviators faced significant limitations and hindered career advancement due to the combat exclusion law (Section 6015).
The perseverance of these early aviators ultimately contributed to the repeal of combat exclusion laws in 1993, opening up full opportunities for future generations of women in military aviation.

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Though the U.S. armed services have drawn strength from the contributions of women since their respective beginnings, immediately after World War II, there were limited opportunities for women to serve in uniform—and none to fly as their brothers did.

Until Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt rose to the top of the U.S. Navy, there was little reason to bring into the ranks the social change unfolding around the country during the 1960s and ’70s—except Zumwalt had a crisis of morale to confront, and a personnel shortage. Re-enlistment was at a low point, as was the incentive to join up once the draft ended.