Biography:
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and holds the distinction of being the first female African-American fighter pilot in the history of the Air Force. She has made significant contributions to the field of military aviation and has been an inspiration to many. Kimbrell’s journey to becoming a fighter pilot was not without its challenges, but her determination and passion for aviation propelled her forward.
Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Indiana, to Eve Blackman Ng A Qui and Dr. Norman Ng A Qui. Her parents had emigrated from another country and became naturalized U.S. citizens. The family later moved to Parker, Colorado. It was during Kimbrell’s fourth-grade year that she discovered her ambition to become a fighter pilot. This decision would shape the course of her life and lead her to achieve remarkable feats.
At the age of fourteen, Kimbrell had her first flight lesson, and she later joined the Civil Air Patrol, where she gained valuable experience and skills. She also worked at air shows and earned her private pilot’s license. After completing high school, Kimbrell pursued her dream at the United States Air Force Academy, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Engineering in 1998. She then went on to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) and earned her pilot wings in August 1999.
In August 2000, Kimbrell accomplished a significant milestone by becoming the first African American female fighter pilot in the USAF. She completed her initial F-16 training at Luke AFB, Arizona, and was then assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron in Misawa, Japan, for her first operational assignment. During her time in Misawa, she was deployed to Turkey and Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Northern and Southern Watch. Kimbrell made history by becoming the first female pilot to fly combat missions for Misawa’s 35th Fighter Wing during Operation Northern Watch. She also became the first African American female pilot to employ ordnance in combat.
Throughout her career, Kimbrell continued to excel and make significant contributions. She attended the Joint Fire Control Course in July 2004 and was then assigned to the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron. She deployed as the 2nd Brigade Air Liaison Officer in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2007, she was assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano AB Italy, where she served as Assistant Director of Operations for the 555th Fighter Squadron. In 2009, Kimbrell relocated to the 6th Combat Training Squadron at Nellis AFB.
Kimbrell’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, and she has received recognition for her outstanding contributions. Although specific awards and recognitions were not mentioned in the available data, her groundbreaking achievements undoubtedly paved the way for future generations of women in the military and made her an inspiration to aspiring pilots.
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell’s impressive career as a fighter pilot has made her a trailblazer and role model for women in the United States Air Force. Her dedication, perseverance, and contributions to aviation have left a lasting impact on the field and have helped challenge gender barriers within the military. Shawna continues to serve her country and inspire others with her remarkable achievements.