‘Women in the Air Force' Gallery Tour at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The exhibit, titled “Women in the Air Force: From Yesterday into Tomorrow,” covers historical issues, changes in laws and attitudes, and women's contributions to the Air Force mission. These displays, which are located throughout the museum, contain one of a kind artifacts used by women in the Air Force from many different eras.

In the Early Years Gallery, visitors can learn how British female pilots led the way beginning with Mary Wilkins-Ellis, who joined the Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), and transported aircraft from factories to active service squadrons during World War II.

The story of Jacqueline Cochran, who was ranked among the top female pilots of her era by setting an incredible number of records, and breaking men’s distance, altitude, and speed achievements can be seen in the Early Years and World War II Galleries, as well as throughout the museum. Cochran would go on to become the founder and director of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal - the highest non-combat award - for her work in 1945.

New displays in the second building include one on the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which was signed into law by President Truman in 1948, and authorized women to serve permanently in all military branches. Among the stories featured in this building include that of SSgt. Esther Blake, who became the first woman in the Air Force by enlisting on the first minute, of the first hour, of the first day that Air Force authorized women’s participation; and the heroic actions of Lt. Regina Aune and Lt. Harriet Goffinett, who carried many children to safety during Operation Babylift.

The drive to break down barriers is further illustrated by the Significant Women Silhouette - a uniquely designed display that introduce visitors to those who created new opportunities for women. The exhibit covers a diverse range of achievements such as the first American woman to fly solo in an airplane (Blanche Stuart Scott); the first woman to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean (Amelia Earhart); the Air Force’s first female physician (Capt. Dorothy Elias); and the “Bouncing Bettys” award-winning munitions team.

Among the many “female firsts” on display in the third building are the first 10 graduates of the U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) program; the first female fighter pilot (Jeannie Flynn Leavitt); the first female aerial gunner (Airman Vanessa Dobos); the first female to fly a fighter aircraft in combat (Capt. Martha McSally); and the first female F-35 pilot (Lt. Col. Christine Mau).

The story of pilot Nichole Malachowski, who took her first solo flight at age 16 (earning her pilot’s license before her driver’s license), and later became the first female pilot on any U.S. military high performance jet team as a member of the Thunderbirds in 2005, is also featured in this building.