A female fighter pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron 32 has made history as the first US woman to achieve an air-to-air kill, according to a Navy press release.
During a nine-month deployment starting in October, the pilot, who is part of the "Fighting Swordsmen" squadron aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, successfully took down a Houthi aircraft.
While the Navy didn't share details about the weapon used, the F/A-18F Super Hornet she flew is armed with a powerful 20mm cannon and various missiles, including the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Rising Tensions in the Red Sea
The US military's presence in the Red Sea increased after the Houthis began targeting ships in response to Israel's actions in Gaza.
The Houthis used drones and missiles, causing the US and allies to launch Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect vessels in the region.
The VFA-32 squadron, based in Virginia, played a key role, flying over 3,000 combat hours and completing nearly 1,500 missions.
They fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles at Houthi drones and led two strikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi munitions and command centers.
More Historic Firsts
This deployment saw another first.
An EA-18G Growler squadron aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower scored the first air-to-air kill in Growler history, according to Business Insider. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare aircraft used for jamming enemy communications.
"I can't remember the last time the Navy had a more challenging deployment," said Cmdr. Carl Ellsworth.
He praised the team's resilience during extended missions with limited rest, calling it the most intense sea action since World War II. "Words can't do justice to how proud I am of this 'Zapper' Team," he added.
