Super Hornet crew on mission to inspire
An all-female crew from No. 1 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley flew a F/A-18F Super Hornet mission on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day.
CAPTION: Air Force Super Hornet weapons system officer Flight Lieutenant Zalie, left, and pilot Flying Officer Sophie in front of a No. 1 Squadron F/A-18F Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley. Photo by Corporal Nicci Freeman.
They flew a three-hour training mission to practise the integration of RAAF capabilities as a tactical force and to highlight the achievements of women within the Air Force.
Super Hornet weapons system officer Flight Lieutenant Zalie said she was proud to fly as part of the all-female crew and hoped to encourage and empower other women.
“This was my first time flying in an all-female crew, 19 years after I got my wings,” Flight Lieutenant Zalie said.
“International Women’s Day presented the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
“We have put in a lot of hard work to get to where we are today and fly these awesome aircraft.
“If we can inspire other women and young girls to strive to also achieve such a fulfilling, fast-paced, high-flying goal, then that is a bonus.”
Flying Officer Sophie, pilot for the Super Hornet flight, said International Women’s Day was an opportunity to break down stereotypes within the workforce.
“I’m pleased to be able showcase the different fields women work in, especially to young women,” Flying Officer Sophie said.
“I hope that by showing women thriving in the workforce, especially within the male-dominated industries, that more girls grow up considering these roles and realising they are achievable and very rewarding if they give it a go.”
Women in Aviation International Australia engaged with the Air Force, Airservices Australia, QantasLink and AirBp to coordinate a series of flights across the country operated by all-female crews to mark International Women’s Day.
Defence aligned its International Women’s Day celebrations with the 2021 United Nations Women Australia theme, ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’.
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