Idaho woman becomes first female Marine to pilot F-35 fighter jet

U.S. Marine Capt. Anneliese Satz recently made history, becoming the first female Marine to pilot an F-35B fighter jet. 

The Marine Corps announced in a press release last week that Satz, 29, of Boise, Idaho, completed the F-35B Basic Course on June 27.  

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

She attributes her success to hard work and great training programs by the Marine Corps. {mosads}

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

Satz has more than 300 flight hours under her belt, and before serving in the Marine Corps earned her commercial pilots license flying a Robinson R44 Helicopter. 

Now, she will join a unit called the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, the Green Knights in Iwakuni, Japan.

“I am incredibly excited to get to VMFA-121 and look forward to the opportunity to serve in the Fleet Marine Forces,” Satz said.