From Subsonic to Sidelines: History is Made

With the successful completion of a nail-biting Super Bowl, we can all take a moment to appreciate the history that was made in the skies that day.

To commemorate 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy, the fly-over during this year’s Super Bowl was conducted by seven female aviators, with a majority female crew maintaining the planes.

Three U.S. Navy tactical aircraft squadrons conducted the integrated flyover at the conclusion of the National Anthem.

Afterwards, the crew was brought to the sidelines to enjoy the game in person: click here to view their Instagram story.

Flying the first F/A-18F Super Hornet was: Lt. Arielle Ash, of Abilene, Texas and her weapon systems officer Lt. Saree Moreno, of Tampa, Florida.

Flying the second F/A-18F Super Hornet was Lt. Caitie Perkowski, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and her weapon systems officer Lt. Naomi Ngalle, of Springfield, Virginia.

Flying the EA 18G Growler was Lt. Margaret Dente, of North Salem, New York and Lt. Lyndsay Evans, electronic warfare officer, of Palmdale, California.

Flying the F-35C Lightning II was Lt. Suzelle Thomas, of Birmingham, Alabama.

The entirety of the staff can be viewed by clicking here.

Although the respective units were based out of California, the squadrons staged and departed from nearby Luke Air Force Base.

According to the Navy, “The flyover also commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973 the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola, Fla., and one year later six of those eight women, titled "The First Six,” earned their Wings of Gold. Since then, women have served, operated and led at every level of Naval Aviation.”

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