ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
Throughout
history, women have filled vital roles in society, politics and the military,
specifically the United States Air Force beginning in World War II.
In
1939, at the start of World War II, female pilots Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran
and Nancy Love made contact with the Army Air Corps, the precursor to the Air
Force, in order to try to convince military leaders to let women fly non-combat
missions.
The
movement gathered steam, even getting attention and support of then First Lady
Eleanor Roosevelt. The famous Air Force General Henry “Hap” Arnold originally
denied the requests, but later approved of the idea deeming it necessary after
the events of Pearl Harbor in 1942.
The
group received the name of the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, or better known
as WASPs.
The
women received training that was identical to their male counterparts. Led by
Cochran and Love, the WASPs were later assigned to ferrying commands to assist
with war efforts.
Although
the women served the military, they weren’t considered to be in the service nor
did they receive the benefits. Despite women being forced to acquire their own
housing and uniforms, the WASP’s still established an identity.
The
WASPs adopted a mascot drawn by Walt Disney; Disney’s version of the Gremlin
“Fifnella” which was originally brought to life by author Roald Dahl. This
symbol became the mascot which was displayed on a patch the WASP’s wore proudly
on their shoulders.
After
the war ended President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration
Act, allowing women to join the military but only serve in a limited capacity. Following
the act’s expiration in 1976, the Air Force saw the first female Airmen.
Female
Airmen naturally wanted to take to the sky as pilots to make their mark on
history. In September 1977, 2nd Lt. Kathleen Rambo began her advanced training
at Altus Air Force Base to be the first female pilot flying the C-141 Starlifter
aircraft.
One
month later, Altus AFB welcomed Capt. Betty Jo Payne, the first female Air
Force navigator to the Air Force.
The
next milestone in Altus AFB Women’s history came in March of 2000 when Altus
received its first female operations group commander. Retired Maj. Gen.
Michelle Johnson served in various roles all throughout the Air Force, made
history at Altus by being one of the first female commanders of an Air Force
operational wing, and retired as the commandant of the Air Force Academy.
As
Women’s History Month concludes, Altus AFB reflects on its past. From women not
being able to serve to making history, women have left their mark on not only
Altus but the entire military. Altus AFB celebrates women’s history by looking
forward to the work and future accomplishments of our brothers and sisters in
arms.