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:

The U.S. Navy began accepting women for flight training in 1972, an initiative by Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt aimed at improving morale, addressing personnel shortages, and fostering social change within the service.
The first class of six women began naval aviation training, with Barbara Ann Allen becoming the first to receive her "Wings of Gold" in February 1974.
Despite earning their wings, these pioneering women faced significant career limitations due to the combat exclusion law, which prevented them from serving in combat roles or advancing through crucial sea-based opportunities.
It took 19 years for the combat exclusion to be lifted in 1993, expanding opportunities for women in military aviation and establishing a lasting legacy for future generations of female pilots.

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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.