What comes with acknowledging and nurturing Madeline Swegle’s extraordinary abilities is her designation as the US Navy’s first Black female tactical air pilot. Indeed, the Sister is a fighter pilot, trained in tactical maneuvers and conditioned to stay combat ready. Knowing the incredible mind and heart required of any person who becomes a fighter pilot suggests Swegle’s journey through the predominantly white and male military environment forged an exceptionally strong and able Sister soldier. According to Swegle, she never intended to be the first. “It would’ve been nice to see someone who looked like me in this role . . . I hope it’s encouraging to other people.”
Click here to meet the fighter pilot whose achievement provides evidence of what Black women have, can, and will accomplish.