KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In the 1990s, a young woman climbed into the cockpit of a fighter jet with the intent to take advantage of any opportunities the U.S. Air Force threw her way. Now, Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt pilots her final flight with the service and reflects on her 32-year career as an Airman.
As a college student, Leavitt spoke with a newly commissioned lieutenant awaiting pilot training, which sparked her own interest in flying with the Air Force. At first, flying a fighter was not an option. Still, she graduated pilot training and pursued her dreams to fly.
Not long after graduating pilot training, however, the Department of Defense changed the policy to allow women in combat. This forged the way for Leavitt to continue her interest in being a fighter pilot and eventually fly an F-15E. She would go on to serve in 19 different assignments, three of which were in joint assignments and five as a commander.
The general is set to retire at the end of September, but during her tenure with the Air Force, she has time and again broken barriers. She became the first woman pilot to fly a fighter jet, command an Air Force combat fighter wing, and attend weapons school. She led the way for so many and represented something crucial to not just women but all Airmen. In addition to being the Air Force’s first female fighter pilot, Leavitt flew more than 3,000 flying hours, including 300 combat hours, and earned four master’s degrees and various major awards and decorations. She also served as not only the commander of the Air Force Safety Center and the Air Force's chief of safety, but as the first chairman for the Joint Safety Council established by a recommendation from the National Commission on Military Aviation Safety and confirmed by Congress in fiscal year 2022.
“I was not interested in being the first; I just wanted to be the best fighter pilot I could be,” Leavitt said. “Ever since I was little, I wanted to fly airplanes, and I have had so many opportunities since I decided to join the Air Force.”
Though she didn't seek it, Leavitt's name has become an important part of history in the Department of Defense. She said she hopes she has opened doors to the many women who will follow her, just as doors were opened for her.
“I am grateful for those who came before me and paved the way for the opportunities I have had during my journey of service to our country,” Leavitt said. “I also look forward to seeing what the future holds for the amazing men and women of our Air Force and Space Force.”