JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Two six-member flight crews from the 316th Operations Group at Joint Base Andrews attended the Women in Aviation International three-day annual conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, March 17-19, 2022.
“It was really incredible to see a conference room full of hundreds of women that all had a role in aviation and took so much pride in what they had accomplished, whether it be airlines, military, or recreational aviation,” said a 316th OG attendee. “We felt bonded to one another and had mutual respect because we were able to relate to one another.”
The conference offered many opportunities for attendees to connect and network with female peers in the aviation and aerospace industry.
“We thought it was important to attend the conference to not only find a mentor but also be a mentor for younger women in aviation,” said a 316th OG attendee.
Women in Aviation International promotes the public understanding of accomplishments and contributions of women in aviation, including historic pioneers such as Amelia Earhart, Bessie Coleman, Eileen Collins, Jeana Yeager, and Nicole Malachowski.
“Gen. (Jacqueline) Van Ovost, (U.S. Transportation Command commander), spoke of the need to support those before us, beside us, and behind us,” said a 316th OG attendee. “We think attending conferences like this can help us move towards that in order to motivate other future women aviators.”