"I Am Humbled To Be The First"

The first female fighter squadron commander recently took her A-10 unit from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ, into combat.

Lt. Col. Martha McSally, 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, said she is privileged to serve in this role.

"I am honored, like anyone would to be entrusted to command a combat fighter squadron, regardless of my gender," Colonel McSally said. "I realize I'm the first female given that opportunity, but that is only because most of the female fighter pilots are still lieutenants, captains and majors since women have only been flying fighters since 1993."

Female squadron commanders in combat aviation will be commonplace in years to come, the colonel explained.

"There will be plenty more female squadron commanders in combat aviation in the future," she said. "That being said, I realize it is a milestone for our country and I am humbled to be the first."

A few years ago, women in Afghanistan couldn't show their faces in public. The rights women in Afghanistan now have compared to the time when the Taliban were in power have changed significantly since that time, the colonel explained.

"The heart of a democratic society is the principle that each person has fundamental freedoms, inherent value, and a voice despite their gender, race, color, religion, etc.," Colonel McSally said. "It's exciting to see the progress of women in Afghanistan since our troops freed them from the absolute oppression of the Taliban regime in 2001. I look forward to witnessing their participation in public policy and the future of Afghanistan."

On a similar note, the colonel said the women in today's U.S. Air Force are vital to the success of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

"We could not fight this war without them," Colonel McSally said. "Women make up more than 14 percent of the active-duty military, and in support of GWOT, women warriors of all services have been fighting and contributing bravely alongside their male teammates."

Colonel McSally accepted command of A-10 close-air support operations here from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cowan, 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander at Pope Air Force Base, NC, during a symbolic change of command over the skies of Afghanistan Sept. 20th.

"The 74th Flying Tigers had an incredibly successful deployment with an outstanding commander and I am looking forward to continuing that record with the 354th FS," Colonel McSally said. "Davis-Monthan's 355th Wing Desert Lightning Team has proven itself to be ready to deploy and fight when called. We've been called to fight and I am confident my team will fly and fight honorably and professionally during this deployment."

Colonel McSally said she's honored to lead the "Bulldogs" into the fight during a time when national elections are bringing Afghanistan one step closer to democracy.

"We are trained and ready to protect the Coalition troops and Afghani civilians on the ground against attacks by insurgent thugs who are trying to thwart the democratic process in this country," she said.

Deterring enemy aggression and helping ensure voter safety through Oct. 22, when the winners will be announced, will be a key focal point for the Bulldogs.

"The people of Afghanistan have already demonstrated they will not be deterred from exercising their rights, and part of the 354th FS mission here is to ensure their votes are counted," Colonel McSally said.

(Aero-News salutes USAF Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonal, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs)

FMI: www.af.mil