Who Is Jeannie Leavitt? US Air Force's First Female Fighter Pilot And Commander

Jeannie Leavitt laid the groundwork for women's suffrage in the aviation sector while also serving as a social change agent, brilliant thinker, and pioneering leader in the United States Air Force.

Leavitt approached the world with an upbeat resolve, determined to bring about the necessary adjustments that would empower women to recognise their ability to contribute in areas that had previously been considered "off-limits."

The accomplishments of Jeannie Leavitt, the first female fighter pilot and commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, have broken down gender barriers and motivated women to pursue their goals.

The Air Force pioneer spoke with actor Brie Larson, known for her role Captain Carol Danvers, also known by her superhero persona Captain Marvel. In 2018, Larson and the film's production team spoke with Leavitt so she could personally speak with female fighter pilots.

Leavitt opened up about the adversity she faced as the sole woman in the previously all-male fighter squadrons. She said, "Honestly, I did not want to be the first female fighter pilot. I just wanted to be the best fighter pilot."

Who Is Jeannie Leavitt?

Epitome Of Perseverance And Determination, Jeannie Leavitt

Jeannie Leavitt was exposed to the aviation sector from an early age because she was born in the vibrant, buzzing city of St. Louis, Missouri. Leavitt grew up in an environment filled with excitement as her father, James Flynn, served his country via the art of flight.

After graduating from a private Catholic high school, she was ready to take the world by storm.

Leavitt was able to flourish in her academics thanks to her love of learning and flying, demonstrating that she was never scared of hard effort.

Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas served as the location of Leavitt's undergraduate pilot training. She transferred to her training as a T-38 instructor pilot at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio with the idea that she would learn something new every day.

With Jeannie Leavitt's intensive preparation and demanding studies, Leavitt had the self-assurance to start her formal combat training. She received her training in the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle and proudly held the title of first female fighter pilot in the military.

Felicitated As Secretary Of Defence In Washington, DC

Jeannie Leavitt was not only the military's first female fighter pilot; she also logged close to 300 combat hours in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating her commitment to defending Americans' liberties.

Leavitt even defended a Tornado GRI of the Royal Air Force from an Iraqi surface-to-air missile.

Jeannie Leavitt played a crucial role in the US Air Force as she established herself as the first-in-command of a fighter unit. After being promoted to the fourth fighter wing, she also received the incredibly prestigious rank of principal military assistant to the secretary of defence in Washington, DC.

Suggested Reading: Now At 15%, How India Became Home To Most Number Of Female Pilots In The World