A female US Navy pilot made history by becoming the first American woman aviator to score an air-to-air kill during combat operations, according to a Navy press release. The milestone occurred as part of ongoing US efforts to counter Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea region.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot, whose name was not disclosed, is part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, known as the "Fighting Swordsmen." The squadron is currently deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, which has been operating in the area since October.
According to Business Insider, the pilot successfully took down a Houthi "air-to-air contact" during operations. The Navy did not provide specific details about the weapon used or the exact nature of the target.
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A US Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier group became the 1st American female to engage and kill an air-to-air contact in history - downing a Houthi drone over the Red Sea.
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The Virginia-based VFA 32 squadron has been at the forefront of these operations. Navy officials reported that the squadron has flown over 3,000 combat hours, completed nearly 1,500 combat missions, and fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles against Houthi attack drones during its deployment.
Commander Carl Ellsworth, speaking about the deployment, said, "I can't remember the last time the Navy had a more challenging deployment with a combination of multiple extensions, severely limited opportunities for R&R, and true combat." He added, "Not just for aviators, but the crew of the whole strike group as well, in the most kinetic action at sea since World War II. Words can't do justice to how proud I am of this 'Zapper' Team."
The historic air-to-air kill wasn't the only milestone achieved during recent operations. An E/A-18G Growler squadron, also stationed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, became "the first Growler squadron in Navy history to score an air-to-air kill," according to another Navy press release.
These achievements underscore the intensity of the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea. US involvement in the region began as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational effort aimed at protecting commercial shipping from Houthi attacks. The rebels have employed various tactics, including aerial drones, drone boats, and missiles, to target ships navigating the vital waterway.
The F/A-18 Super Hornet, described by manufacturer Boeing as "the backbone" of the Navy carrier air wing, has played a crucial role in these operations. The aircraft can be equipped with various weapons systems, including an M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon and several types of air-to-air missiles.
