Hornet's Nest: The Experiences of One of the Navy's First Female Fighter Pilots Book

In 1993, the Combat Exclusion Law was repealed in a landmark decision. For the US Navy, this meant that one of the last bastions of all male combat roles would be opened to women: the fighter and bomber squadrons. Despite the adamant protests of the male pilots, senior naval leadership, and various conservative groups, women were assigned to fighter squadrons in late 1993.

Hornet's Nest is the compelling account of one of the women in this first group, Lieutenant Missy Cummings. Waiting in the wings, Missy was an established adversary pilot and perfectly primed to step into the role of a combat pilot. Flying one of the world's most technologically advanced fighters would be exhilarating for Missy, but not without an exacting price. Missy's reception into the warrior ranks is overwhelmingly hostile and senior leadership in her squadron ensures that she receives harsh treatment, often deliberately criminal. Betrayed by the very institution that prides itself on honor, courage, and commitment, Missy eventually resigns from the Navy and abandons her dreams of a career.

This real-life drama concludes with a critical analysis of the integration of women into combat pilot roles, and the future of women in combat aviation.

Author Bio: Mary Cummings, a 1988 graduate of the US Naval Academy, received her Master's degree in Astronautical Engineering in 1994. A naval officer for 10 years, she was one of the Navy's first female fighter pilots. She is now a professor in the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, Engineering Fundamentals division.