U.S. Marine Corps | Sgt. Ashley Phillips

Helicopter Pilot Makes History By Becoming First Female Marine To Pilot F-35B Jet

An Idaho commercial helicopter pilot has recently made history by becoming the first female marine to ever pilot a F-35B jet, CNN reported.

Marine Capt. Anneliese Satz, 29, credits her success to "showing up prepared and working diligently."

For anyone who may not be savvy on all things jet-related, the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter is one serious aircraft.

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This supersonic stealth jet is best known for its multi-role capabilities, meaning there's just about nothing this thing can't do. Described as being a "super weapon", the aircraft can complete a wide range of missions, from close-air support and air-to-ground attack, to air-to-air engagements and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

In order to fly one of these bad boys, a pilot must first complete a four-year course.

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And on June 27, Captain Satz officially finished her training, becoming the first female Marine to pilot an F-35B aircraft.

The Marine Corp shared the news in an official statement, explaining that Satz's training began with flying smaller aircraft before eventually graduating to piloting the F-35B.

Satz said she always did her best at each training school she attended during her four-year program.

U.S. Marine Corps | Sgt. Ashley Phillips

"I truly believe that showing up prepared and working diligently are two major keys to success," she said.

She first climbed inside the cockpit of an F-35B back in October and instantly fell in love: "The syllabus thoroughly prepares you for that first time you take off and for every flight after that, it's an exhilarating experience."

The pilot has now clocked in over 300 hours of flight-time in the aircraft and will be heading to her first operation unit in Iwakuni, Japan.

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She'll be joining the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121, the Green Knights.

The first woman to ever fly in the Marine Corps took flight in 1995. The then-2nd Lt. Sarah Deal piloted a heavy-lift helicopter with Capt. Vernice Armour becoming the first black female Marine pilot soon after in 2001.

h/t: CNN