Lieutenant Makes History In Kingsville As First Black Female Tactical Pilot

Last week, Lt. Madeline Swegle made history. After training and completing the Tactical Air Strike aviator syllabus, Swegle became the first Black woman to become a tactical Navy pilot.

Swegle’s training took place in the VT-21 program at Kingsville Naval Air Station. Once a Naval aviator completes the tactical syllabus, they typically move into the FA-18 Super Hornet or the F-35 Lightning. The aircraft used in Swegle’s training — the T-45C — is a two-seat, single engine fighter jet, with a maximum speed of 625 miles per hour.

Swegle’s accomplishment first garnered praise after her friend tweeted about it.
 

The tweet shows Swegle standing in front of the T-45C trainer jet. Along with being the Navy’s first known Black femaleTACAIR pilot, Swegle will also receive her Wings of Gold later this month.
 

Jerry Clayton can be reached at jerry@tpr.org.

TPR was founded by and is supported by our community. If you value our commitment to the highest standards of responsible journalism and are able to do so, please consider making your gift of support today.