'Women in the Air Force' exhibit opens

DAYTON – A new series of displays highlighting women’s achievements in their civilian and military careers with an emphasis on the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors opened during a live-streamed virtual event and is now open to visitors.

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.

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).

Amazing stories of courage are highlighted including Air National Guard pilot Lt. Heather Penney of the 121st Fighter Squadron. On Sept. 11, 2001, Penney along with another pilot received one-way orders to stop hijacked United Airlines Flight

93 as it headed towards Washington, D.C. Armed with shoot to kill orders, but no weapons, they were on a suicide mission with the full intention of ramming the Boeing 757 in order to protect national security. After sweeping the D.C. airspace for over an hour, the pilots learned the passengers had forced the aircraft down in a Pennsylvania field.

Another ground-breaking display titled Moving Towards Equality highlights milestones in legislation that brought policy changes on issues such as automatic discharge for pregnancy or having custody of minor children; the expansion of women’s rights allowing women to have the ability to serve in any military occupation, and further opportunities for advancement.

Finally, in the fourth building visitors can learn about the first American female astronaut to go into space (Sally Ride); the first U.S. military woman in space who was also the first woman to work aboard the International Space Station (Maj. Susan Helms); the first female space shuttle pilot (Maj. Eileen Collins); the first women to serve as commanders in orbit at the same time (Col. Pamela Melroy and Peggy Whitson); and some of the most important discoveries and inventions that female Air Force scientists, engineers, mathematicians, medical professionals, and artists have developed over the years.

According to National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Curator Christina Douglass, telling the story of what women have overcome over many decades was an amazing experience and something she hopes future generations will come to appreciate.

“The ‘Women in the Air Force’ exhibit is packed with moving stories that exemplify the passion and dedication that women have had to have in order to overcome certain stereotypes - just to be able to serve our nation,” said Douglass. “My hope is that those who come to visit this exhibit will gain a better understanding about the sacrifices that were made by women in the past; never take what we have for granted; and are inspired to continue to advocate for equality.”