Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner

Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner grew up in San Diego, California, with a keen interest in aircraft and flying. She worked odd jobs and washed aircraft to earn money for flying lessons and flight time. She graduated from University in 1972 at age 19 with a degree in Aviation Technology and earned FAA flight engineer and pilot ratings before she joined the Navy.

Rosemary Mariner was selected as one of the first eight women to enter military pilot training. She was designated a naval Aviator in June 1974, one of the first six women to earn their wings as a United States Naval Aviator. Mariner was among the first female military aviators to fly tactical jet aircraft, the A-4E/L Skyhawk, then converted to the A-7E Corsair II, the first woman to fly a front-line light attack aircraft.

In 1990 Mariner became the first military woman to command an operational aviation squadron and was selected for major aviation shore command. During Operation Desert Storm, she commanded Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty-Four (VAQ-34).

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