(Pensacola, Florida, 13 December 2022) - The year 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of women in modern military aviation and the 30th Anniversary of the Department of Defense allowing women to serve in military combat aviation careers.
The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army opened their programs to women in 1973. Since then, every service including the U.S. Coast Guard has accepted female aviators, all of whom have made historic achievements and advancements in the field of military aviation. April 23, 1993 is the official date that the Department of Defense changed its policy to allow women aviators to additionally serve in combat roles.
It is important to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements all year long and to applaud those who made it possible. and to show young women the opportunities that are open to them today in military aviation.
This is an excellent theme and feature for aviation events. By highlighting these aviation milestones, we can honor women military aviators, both past and present, and demonstrate to the next generation of aviators that the sky is the limit.
About Women Military Aviators (WMA)
Women Military Aviators, Inc. is a non-profit corporation formed in 1978 to promote and preserve for historical, educational, and literary purposes the role of women pilots, navigators, and aircrew in the service of their country during times of war and peace. Today, we number over 500 members living and stationed around the world. Read about our history here!
With such a small percentage of the military aviation world being female, it is especially important to get to know, network with, and mentor other women military aviators. WMA members receive regular electronic newsletters and access to an annual membership roster. Members gather annually at the Women in Aviation conference, at local luncheons, and at informal networking meetings.
Regular membership includes the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), women graduates of military pilot and navigator training programs, and women graduates of aircrew training programs as specified by each branch of the military services. Associate members include those interested in or affiliated with military women aircrew members and/or the WASP.
To further our charter of promoting and preserving women’s roles in military aviation, WMA annually awards a $2500 scholarship to a woman pursuing an aviation degree or license. To learn more about WMA, please visit www.womenmilitaryaviators.org