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First Female F-35B Pilot

First Female F-35B Pilot

U.S. Marine Capt. Anneliese Satz left her legacy on the Marine Corps’ F-35B Program when she became the first female Marine to complete the F-35B Basic Course, June 27.

Flying is nothing new to Satz—prior to joining the Marine Corps she earned her commercial pilots license flying a Robinson R44 Helicopter which she attributes to preparing her for a career in military aviation.

Over the last four years, Satz, 29, has completed Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida, Primary Flight Training in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she learned to fly the T-6 Texan II, then to Meridian, Mississippi, where she flew the T-45C Goshawk advanced jet training aircraft. Upon completing her initial trainings, she was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, the “Warlords,” to train on her assigned fleet aircraft: the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, the world’s first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. It’s designed to operate from austere, short-field bases and a range of air-capable ships operating near front-line combat zones.

“At each of my training schools I did my best,” said Satz, a Boise, Idaho native. “I truly believe that showing up prepared and working diligently are two major keys to success.”

After arriving to MCAS Beaufort in July of 2018, she took her first flight in the F-35B in October that year.

“The first flight in an F-35 is by yourself,” she said. “The syllabus thoroughly prepares you for that first time you take off and for every flight after that, it’s an exhilarating experience.”

During her four years of training, Satz earned over 300 flight hours, spent a significant amount of time practicing in simulators while also studying for written and practical application exams; and although training and learning never stops, she will now be assigned to her first operational unit, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, the Green Knights in Iwakuni, Japan.

“I’m very grateful for the instructors, the maintainers, and countless others at 501 who lent me their expertise and time while I was going through the syllabus,” Satz said. “This is a phenomenal program made possible by all of their hard work. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from all of them. I am incredibly excited to get to VMFA-121 and look forward to the opportunity to serve in the Fleet Marine Forces.”

9 AUG 2019 | Sgt. Brittney VellaMarine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Story originally published here>>

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Comments

Jim Panlener - April 8, 2020

SEMPER FI MARINE❗️❗️🇱🇷
I feel you are going to go far❗️

Jim Panlener
CPL. USMC
Vietnam Vet
68/72 – 75/77

Ed Barewich 1964-1968 - April 8, 2020

A giant Bravo Zulu for Capt. Satz. A fantastic addition to Marine Aviation.

Oorah!

Mario Cordano - April 8, 2020

This is a great story of incredible achievement. I was with VMA 121 in 1968 in Chu Lai South Vietnam. I’m sure she would have garnered more attention than most of our great pilots. But it sure would have been nice to have a flower among the thorns.

Terry Thieme - April 8, 2020

Sorry, meant to say Captain Satz

Anthony Reyes - April 8, 2020

Congratulations Capt. Satz! Who says we can’t have exceptional female pilots?
Here’s wishing you all the best. Make us Old Corp Marines proud!

Anthony Reyes
GySgt
USMC (ret)
1969 – 1991

Terry Thieme - April 8, 2020

Congrats Satz! Some remarkable accomplishments in your young career! I was assigned to MCAS Iwakuni Japan from 1976-1977 and it was an excellent Air Station!

David L. Mushrush - April 8, 2020

We can’t all be progressive and forward thinking. Worry more about the Old Corps and honor with the arrest of 16 Marines for human trafficking than having a WM achieve the distinction of being a combat pilot in the finest aircraft in the finest organization in the world The United States Marine Corps. Congratulations Ma’m. SEMPER FI.
David L. Mushrush
SGT. April 67 to October 70

Becky Hohenstein - April 8, 2020

What an awesome achievement and what a wonderful role model you are to any one who has a dream! You made yours a reality and you are a credit to the Corp! So proud of all the Marines in our life especially the one who is stationed at Beaufort, SC right now. Best of luck in Japan and keep reaching for the stars.

Terry Kindlon - April 8, 2020

This is absolutely one of the best stories I’ve ever read on Sgt. Grit. Congratulations on your many magnificent accomplishments. —Best wishes for continued great success– from an old grunt, Terry Kindlon Echo 2/3, Vietnam ’67-’68.

C. Ernest Jones - April 8, 2020

My My Captain….
The best keeps getting better..
God bless you and yours…REAL GOOD…
Sgt. E J 1953 – 1956

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