Lockheed Martin has announced that the first female F-35 production and training pilot has taken to the skies for the first time on June 7.
Monessa “Siren” Balzhiser, Lockheed Martin’s first F-35 female pilot, takes her first flight in the F-35 at Luke Air Force Base on June 7, 2021. Lockheed Martin has announced that the first female F-35 production and training pilot took to the skies for the first time on June 7.
According to Lockheed Martin, Monessa “Siren” Balzhiser is setting an example for aspiring female pilots around the world.When asked if she was interested in flying the F-35, Balzhiser initially thought it was a joke, Lockheed Martin officials said. Balzhiser agreed to take on the challenge of flying the F-35, the world’s most advanced 5th Generation fighter aircraft.“I’m absolutely humbled and honored to represent Lockheed Martin and fly the F-16 and the F-35, two of the best fighter jets out there,” Balzhiser said. “It was a little bit shocking at first, but once I settled down, I was in awe—I’m still in awe.” Balzhiser took her first flight in the F-35 at Luke Air Force Base alongside Lt. Col. Kristin “Mother” Hubbard, her mentor and flight instructor, Lockheed Martin officials said. According to Lockheed Martin, Balzhiser spent six-weeks preparing for her first flight with the 56th Training Squadron and 61st Fighter Squadron as part of a Senior Officer Course.The training, which consisted of academics for each system on the F-35 and 12 simulator scenarios, culminated in a check ride in the simulator from a squadron evaluation pilot.Air Travel
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
IOC Tightens Eligibility Rules for Female Athletes, Stirring DebateThe International Olympic Committee (IOC) has updated its policy, restricting eligibility for female category events to biological females. This decision has sparked discussions about fairness and inclusion, with author J.K. Rowling and the case of boxer Imane Khelif cited as examples.
Read more »
One female dead, another injured in early-morning shooting in south TacomaTom Brock is a weekend content editor for KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM and MyNorthwest.com.
Read more »
2026 Aston Martin Valhalla | PH ReviewOver 1,000hp, nearly £1m... and a cinch to drive every day. No mistake, the new Valhalla is a special, special thing
Read more »
Miss Manners: How to deal with disrespectful studentsAdvice from Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin.
Read more »
Lockheed Martin and the Pentagon Are Rapidly Scaling America’s Missile ArsenalSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
White Sox Lineup vs. Marlins (3/30): A Positional Shake-Up, Davis Martin's First GoThe Chicago White Sox will shuffle some positions this evening as they try to look for their first win of the 2026 season.
Read more »