The First Class of Women Naval Aviators

The first class of Women Naval Aviators includes Judith Neuffer, Barbara Allen, Jane Skiles, Ana Marie Scott, Joellen Drag, and Rosemary Merims. In January 1973, eight female trainees were selected to train as Naval aviators. The women reported to Pensacola for flight training in May 1973. Two women were dropped from the program and six women went on to earn their "Wings of Gold” and became the first women to be designated full-fledged military pilots. Their success made it possible for subsequent female Naval aviators.