In 1994, Carey Lohrenz made history as one of the first women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, the sound-barrier-breaking, deadly fighter jet made famous by the film Top Gun. But in the years leading up to Lohrenz’s graduation from the Navy’s flight school, women were not legally allowed to assume combat roles, including flying combat aircraft. In 1993, prompted by the exemplary service of female soldiers in the Gulf War, then Secretary of Defense Les Aspin lifted the Combat Exclusion Policy for military aviators. Just five women were selected for these highly coveted positions. For Lohrenz, this meant she would get to train on her first choice, the F-14 Tomcat. But roughly one year later, in a devastating turn of events, Lohrenz was grounded. Despite the formal reinstatement of her flight status, Lohrenz ultimately decided to retire from the military and forge a new path, one illuminated by integrity, hard work and optimism. Now, as a motivational speaker and strategic business consultant, she inspires others to act in the face of fear.

Footage for this episode of Reporting for Duty was generously provided by Air Tales. For more videos of F-14s and other fighter jets go to https://www.youtube.com/AirTales.

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