Madeline Swegle Just Became U.S. Navy’s First Black Female Tactical Jet Pilot

Madeline Swegle just made history by becoming the United States Navy’s first Black female tactical jet pilot. 

Swegle’s best friend, Alissa, shared the news  along with celebratory images on Twitter stating, “ just my best friend making history.”

Just my best friend making history pic.twitter.com/k0qG8kaZTr

— Miss Alissa (@paigealissa) July 7, 2020

The Chief of Naval Air Training also acknowledged the historic feat with a tweet.

“"BZ to Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle on completing the Tactical Air (Strike) aviator syllabus. Swegle is the @USNavy's first known Black female TACAIR pilot and will receive her Wings of Gold later this month. HOOYAH!"

BZ to Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle on completing the Tactical Air (Strike) aviator syllabus. Swegle is the @USNavy’s first known Black female TACAIR pilot and will receive her Wings of Gold later this month. HOOYAH! @FlyNavy @NASKPAO #ForgedByTheSea #CNATRA #CNATRAgrads pic.twitter.com/FKSlURWQhJ

— Naval Air Training (@CNATRA) July 9, 2020

The Virginia native completed her Tactical Air Strike Aviator course with VT-21 Redhawks in Kingsville, Texas. 

Senator Kamala Harris joined hundreds of others in praising Swegle for her accomplishments and its impact.

“Congratulations Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle! You’re paving the way for young girls everywhere,” Senator Harris tweeted.

It took 110 years to happen, but Swegle has blazed a permanent trail that will inspire Black girls to continue to break the mold and soar high.