Air Force Fighter Pilot Fly F-35B On Navy Marine Corps Warship: Capt. Melanie Ziebart

Air Force Pilot Joins Navy Marine Corps To Fly F-35B aboard its warship:
“When I get into the cockpit, it’s like the world shuts off around me and the only thing that matters is the mission,” said Air Force Capt. Melanie Ziebart, a pilot assigned to Yokota Air Force Base. “Being a single-seat fighter pilot is incredibly rewarding and confidence-building because it’s only you in that jet and you’re trusted to figure it out when things go wrong.”
Becoming a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force has been something of a family tradition. It was Ziebart’s parents who inspired her from a very young age, both of whom were fighter pilots. Her father was an F-16 pilot with the 35th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Korea.
Her mother was in the first graduating class of women at the Air Force Academy; an essential asset to paving the way for women in military aviation. After pilot training, she became an instructor for the T-37 and later went on to fly the KC-135.
“I absolutely look up to her,” said Ziebart. “She never let the attitude of men-thinking-women-didn’t-belong-as-pilots deter her. Her positive outlook and determination inspired me throughout my Air Force journey and her experiences taught me that gender doesn’t matter in the cockpit.”
Her parents took her to an Air Force Academy football game where she first watched the Thunderbirds fly over the stadium, that moment would become a significant memory and helped fuel her passion for flying which, combined with inspiration from her parents, cemented her decision to become a pilot. “Before college I was really dedicated to school and sports,” said Ziebart. “I always knew I wanted to be a fighter pilot, so I worked really hard to set myself up for that goal. My parents both taught me that I could be and do anything that I wanted if I worked hard enough. I always knew that I wanted to serve my country in some way and based on their stories, flying jets didn’t seem like a bad way to do it.” As she grew older, Ziebart continued towards her childhood goal. During her time at the University of Southern California, she joined the ROTC program. She became Detachment 060’s Air Force ROTC Distinguished Graduate and Cadet of the Year, to kick-start her career as a pilot. After graduating, Ziebart was chosen for the Euro-NATO Joint Jet pilot training program at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. There, she was officially selected as a fighter pilot and chosen to fly the F-16 Viper, the same aircraft her father flew. She went on to fly the F-16C with the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. Ziebart said it was a special moment receiving her first orders to the same fighter assignment in Korea her father had 30 years before her and she remembered the moment when she found her father’s name-tag on display at Kunsan. “I was able to go over there and put my name-tag next to his and get a picture,” said Ziebart. “That was a pretty cool experience.” Her fighter pilot dreams would take her much farther than she realized. Ziebart is now an Air Force exchange pilot flying with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 Green Knights, reinforcing Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). She now flies the F-35B Lightning II aircraft aboard the ship, making her an essential asset to three branches of the U.S. military. “I’m lucky to be surrounded by passionate, dedicated, and talented people,” said Ziebart. “Being in the military has afforded me more opportunities than I ever imagined and flying jets is the best job in the world!” There are currently six Air Force pilots flying the F-35B in Marine squadrons as a way to disseminate inter-service tactics and strengthen joint-force capabilities. She is the only one among them to deploy with an embarked squadron. “Because of my assignment with the Green Knights in Iwakuni, I’m the first one lucky enough to deploy on a Navy ship and get the full experience of being an amphibious war-fighter,” said Ziebart.
Switching to the F-35B was completely different for Ziebart. She explained how the jet gives her access to more situational awareness of surface and air threats than the F-16, making her a more efficient fighter pilot.
Continue in comments:
#WomenOfAmerica #F35 #Femalepilot #AirForce #MarineCorps #Navy #USAF #USMC #USN #BlueGreenTeam #OneTeamOneFight #WeAreAmerica #WomensHistoryMonth #Inspiring #Motivating #HOOYAH #USMarineCorps #USAirForce #USNavy #InterService #MakingHistory #USSAmerica #LHA6 #Fighterpilot #Internationalwomensday #8mars #IWD #female #womeninaviation #womeninuniform #military #girlsflytoo #womenpilots #fighterjet #aviatrix #fightersquadron #fighterwing #cockpit #flightsuit #Gsuit #harness #helmet #visor #oxygenmask #survivalvest #lifesuit #lifejackat #survivalsuit #woman #lady #girl #gloves
#lipstick #hairstyle #makeup #hot #sexy #cute #pretty #cool #awesome #badass #fighterchick

[@usernotfound7531]

As an Airedale myself I lost on the carrier myself. Mad props for ascension to the F-35

[@scottrussell1006]

you are DIRECTLY making America proud . . . keep up your hard work . . . and thanks!!

[@mogumogu3686]

WOW... this super impressive. Captain Zeibart is a legend... a real lioness. Man I am really impressed.👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@stevehan3739]

We are PROUD of you Capt. Ziebart !!! Thanks for your service !!!

[@cliksmart]

Godspeed Capt. Ziebart!. Salute from ROKAF retiree.

[@chiya2006]

Go girl . Be proud of yourself, push it as much as you can. Country needs people like you, serve it well. My regards to you and your parents who for sure supported you all the way

[@aviatrix9924]

Continue From Above: She also enjoys the cutting-edge technology found in the F-35B. Although some of the flying experiences are very different, Ziebart’s fundamental skills of dogfighting and tactically maneuvering a jet transferred quickly to the F-35B. “The F-35B’s advancement in technology is truly impressive and the amount of information that we get on our giant display is game-changing,” said Ziebart. “It’s such a surreal feeling to take-off, fly at the speed of sound, simulate shooting a missile at an adversary, then drop a bomb and watch it explode on a screen in my jet, and call that my job.” Her passion for flying is driven by gratifying experiences in the air. She said the most enjoyable part is the unique challenge that comes from flying a new aircraft in a new environment. “It’s been challenging and humbling to throw myself into an environment that I knew absolutely nothing about,” said Ziebart. “Luckily every Sailor and Marine has been quick to teach me boat-life and keep me from getting lost in the passageways.” Ziebart’s inter-service experience has been eye-opening. She said she has been involved in planning missions she never knew existed and learned the incredible capabilities of the Navy and Marine Corps team. “Each ‘first’ is making me a more rounded and confident pilot,” said Ziebart. “I welcome each challenge that Navy-life brings and I’m enjoying the process of learning more about our missions and capabilities here.” After her exchange with the Marines, she will return to an Air Force squadron and her goal is to teach and mentor young fighter pilots as an instructor. “I’ve been inspired by the dedication and passion of so many instructors and I would love to contribute back to our community in that way.” America, flagship of America Expeditionary Strike Group 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit team is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

[@TheDustysix]

40 years ago at a WTI at Yuma, F-4 Aircrew were suiting up. One RIO/WSO was a USAF Major on exchange duty. He stated emphatically that he had flown on many missions over North Vietnam; Missiles, Flak, Mig's were nothing compared to his first night trap on a Carrier.

[@aollendorf]

Bravo Zulu Captain Ziebart! Thanks for your service from a Cold War Submarine Service Veteran (76-82).

[@urmantaqi3253]

So proud of this fearless yet humble Air Force officer. God Bless her and those who serve.

[@waistgunner3930]

@urmantaqi3253 Enough to make you puke...God give us a break !!!

[@donaldreach760]

Upon passing my add-on helicopter Commercial Pilot checkride, I was asked by the examiner what I now thought of fixed wing aircraft. I replied: "If the Navy wouldn't give me an F-14; any helicopter would do." Capt. Ziebart, you are truly living the dream for the rest of us. You make us proud every time you don your uniform. God bless, fly safe. Don Roach, Cpl. USMC Ret.

[@k.s.7104]

Awesome aviator, and awesome equipment she gets to fly! Stay safe Captain and TY for your service. I know our national security and safety are in great hands 👍🇺🇸

[@melvinjames1077]

you make me proud to be American !

[@tononly4859]

Respect from Thailand 🇺🇸🇹🇭

[@winar6217]

WTF

[@ferdigrundling776]

Wow proud of you. Keep it up !!! You are an true example. All the best from South Africa, Cape Town

[@constantinbucur3243]

Mult respect pentru acești piloți excepționali, multa sănătate și DUMNEZEU sa va aibă în paza!

[@thomasandersen1784]

I don't know why, but a female fighter pilot is just the most awesome and coolest thing. Look how tiny she is, getting up in that beast, ready to Rock'n Roll..!! Cool...keep safe and stay safe. Cheers from Denmark

[@kayakutah]

You won't like going back to the Air Force! The pace of operations aboard a carrier becomes completely addictive.

[@modular182]

This woman is the epitome of a warrior. Well done Captain Ziebart!

[@myfavoritepointguard446]

Great respect Captain. Greetings from USS Ronald Reagan 🇺🇸

[@crownlands7246]

Love the F35 suite, first multi-role with reasonable sit awareness n info-share capability, first decisive stepstone to gen 6+ whatever that'll entail, apart from a need for massive leap forward in prod n maintenance costs

[@whiteribbonman1]

Eagerly Thumbs-Up #30, Saturday morning 6 June 2020! Amazing, absolutely amazing! She is a pilot, gets to fly that bird at sea AND gets to experience life aboard a United States Navy vessel at sea all while serving in the Air Force! Wow! 😀

[@waistgunner3930]

@whiteribbonman1 sadly it's the result of not saying no to the women's libber skirt crowd ...and not keeping the broads out of combat laws in effect.

[@antigonish63]

We get to watch F=35B's here in Beaufort SC, the only training base for the B version. Really cool, and the pilots are even cooler. MCAS Beaufort also trains all the foreign pilots whose countries have bought the B version. Semper Fi.

[@meatheadjose2856]

She is right there ain't nothing like flying an airplane by yourself you build up your confidence 100%

[@melkisanuel9179]

PAPUA

[@melkisanuel9179]

PAPUA

[@meatheadjose2856]

What the heck is Papua

[@johnjacobs1625]

My hats off to you Capt. Ziebart! JJ USN VF-142 F-14s CV-66 & CVN-69 1975-79

[@davegregory4291]

Melanie you are some Lady. Full respect.

[@mikeschumacher9715]

What a wonderful opportunity for any USAF pilot, to be on a ship. Especially being a women. Awesome experience!

[@ruthdunn9151]

Wow You have an incredible team behind you 👏❤️ keep doing what you're doing. The best of the best.

[@wildwoman8310]

Capt. Ziebard, SO SO PROUD OF U!! UR doing an amazing job fullfilling your dream & representing our female officers so well!! As a former Air Force nurse, I thank U for all U do every day. U R inspiring young females to pursue their dreams of being in the Air Force. What an excellent example U R for all of them. I'd love to know how your parents feel about you flying those big jets!!??!! Stay Safe. Enjoy. And know your fellow female officers are behind U all the way!! U GO GIRL!!! Keep making us proud!! 🙂😨💖✈🛬🌠🦋

[@R0MULUS97]

The kind of strong woman I admire so much, not those wailing hooligans who call themselves feminists and cry 24/7 about patriarchal tyranny

[@kennyli2176]

Every time you met this kind of feminists, just tell them to join the military

[@stevenrichards8880]

Awesome and way to go Captain!

[@TheDustysix]

Many, many years ago I was TAD to a WTI course in Yuma. The aircrew were suiting up to fly. One of them, a USAF Capt. WSO was on exchange duty in a USMC Phantom squadron. He had flown on numerous strikes over North Vietnam. He related that his first carrier trap was at night in horrible weather. He said that was more frightening than being shot at.

[@jacirogers9109]

Wow! Catch the wire the first time! Love this, and God Bless you for serving.

[@OslerWannabe]

Uh... I really can't envision Jesus supporting our country's addiction to killing. I'm sure all the militaristic minds on this page will find ways to cherry pick his words, and recombine them in ways that will imply approval, but if you do that I bet he will punch your ticket into Hell.

[@AA-xo9uw]

No arresting hook on the F-35B and no arresting wires on a LHA/LHD.

[@francisalanbeattie4458]

Congratulations/well done. Stay safe, we are proud of you all.

[@cherylsanders2753]

BRAVO ZULU Capt. Ziebart! It's long overdue - keep up the good work!!! -former USN Air Traffic Controller

[@meatheadjose2856]

That's awesome kudos to the lady

[@shieldmaiden2660]

OUTSTANDING!

[@janwalters3426]

Thank you for your service.🇺🇸 stay safe. God bless.

[@camilamontoya6537]

Congrats!! So proud of you 🤙🏻🤙🏻 Safe and good flights 😎

[@hamidrony2542]

Hall0

[@angelcesarrodriguez5892]

Que orgullosa estará tu familia, mucha suerte, te deseo desde España 🇪🇸

[@putramalrajohn386]

Thx Capt Melanie for inspiring all wemen on Planet Earth by being a Jet fighter . You are realy realy the 🌹👍👍👍🌹🙏💌👏🌹✋🌹 God bless and protect You always Capt. John from Jakarta Indonesia 👍💌🌹🌷

[@richardc488]

This is a proud soldier!

[@jotrev54]

Airman

[@MHB48615]

What an accomplished young woman she is. Very few people, male or female, are able qualify for that job.

[@paulsuprono7225]

YOU said it right -.MALE or FEMALE !,🇺🇸

[@paulsuprono7225]

In today's age, sex is irrelevant !

[@zoilaabejo3375]

Congratulations!God bless and protect you!!

[@yoenlayuma]

God bless Melanie, you and all the armed forces of the United States of America. Thank you for defending us and maintaining freedom in the world.

[@mitseraffej5812]

My teenage son wants to fly fighter jets but the military in my country has none. Becoming a British Citizen then joining the RAF is the option he has come up with. Good luck to him.

[@ashfaquetase2525]

Super duper jet fighter Melanie Ziebert. Brave young fighter. Keep it up Milanie.

[@Mike7478F]

Congrats Captain. Huge respect. And good for you. Years of safe sorties. Airforce for ever

[@hudsondonnell444]

The Chair Force is invading the Navy's personal space.

[@putramalrajohn386]

Capt Melanie .... High salute 🌸👍👍👍💌🌸👏👏👏🌸 from Jakarta .

[@lenny108]

great relief, at first it looked like yet another lady pilot who has to take her seat on the backseat

[@momopoi9640]

Yemen💔💞💝💝💝💝

[@garysimpson3900]

Well done Miss. You have obviously earned your place.

[@lovelightshining4444]

Impressive and so greatfull to have you guarding America. Thank you so much for your service! Godspeed ~

[@giggling_boatswain]

Is someone attacking America?

[@Dcolbyable]

Thank you for your service!

[@demverlacea9105]

Power Capt.Zie.i love you.God speed and bless you from danger.stay safe always

[@michaelloder5150]

Thank you Melanie - what an office to go to!!!!

[@jimtalor7971]

Marine Pilots are some of the craziest!! Back in the day when they use to fly harriers. Everytime they are in a hover before landing it appears they try to show off who can be the highest before chopping the engine, the hardest landing goes to the USMC!! You can see the pilot's head just bounce in that cockpit!!!

[@AA-xo9uw]

They still fly Harrier IIs and will do so until CY 2029.

[@idragonidragon2796]

An amphibious marine war fighter. God bless you warrior. For with your prowess we can sleep comfortable at night knowing that you and all of your fellow comrades have our backs. Fly safe and may all your arrows be true 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@japd7897]

god does not exist, How could something that does not exist bless her?.

[@daniel_sinaga1978]

@@japd7897 shut up!! I don't care you are an atheist or not but you should respect Religious people what ever he believes.

[@paulsuprono7225]

@@daniel_sinaga1978 Can't we'all . . . jus get along. We may all live in a land of many freedoms, however, these freedom should be exercised . . . with discretion. And likewise, the ability to ignor those who don't care !

[@daniel_sinaga1978]

@@paulsuprono7225 we have to respect other people whether they are religious or not. liberal but you can't insult others belief

[@tomtruesdale6901]

She seems like a level headed, knows her job and enjoys doing it Lady. Couple of things she can be proud of being an Air Force pilot who is carrier qualed and her temp promotion to Major as there is only one "Captain" on a Naval ship. Best wishes for you Ma'am

[@johnemerson1363]

She is with a Marine unit and there are several captains in the squadron. The Commanding officer of the ship is a Navy Captain (O6) the marine and air force captains are the same as a Lieutenant Senior Grade or (O3).

[@johnemerson1363]

BTW I'm a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer (E8).

[@speshul7525]

I am impressed, but not that your a wonan, but a fighter pilot. Super, thank you for your service

[@jonothandoeser]

ALL fighter pilots should be women!

[@jeremymendoza1465]

Must have been such a different dynamic going from an air force squadron based on land to a marine squadron aboard a ship, sure she has some stories to tell afterwards

[@dannyr2976]

@@jonothandoeser What's the point in that?

[@Mike7478F]

@@dannyr2976 Don't bite, it's a dumb statement!! All who make this cut deserve it on

[@butterballin3686]

@@jonothandoeser Lmao no. That would be stupid.

[@Russell0369]

Awesome. Glad you had the opportunity to fly with a ship deployed squadron.

[@joselopez-jj3wv]

Great work piloting thank you

[@belaanchalia71]

Wonderful..I myself is also a pilot and appreciate you.

[@muhsinkanadikirik678]

I luv Capt.Zie!❤🌹❤👋

[@EuropeMilitaryDefense]

The F-35B is a short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft, it can hover in the air thanks to its special rotating engine.

[@AA-xo9uw]

The lift fan isn't an engine and it's only one of the components that collectively provides the F-35B the ability to hover.

[@deanlimbacher6946]

Awesome lady Thank for your service to our nation!

[@salahedinne762]

Thanks very much for your advice

[@meinereiner3767]

She is so sweet. Greetings from Germany 😍

[@hannybenny7632]

RESPECT !!!

[@rudipoerawinata408]

Hi saya penggemar pesawat jet dari Amerika dan Rusia saya kagum dengan adanya pilot jet tempur jet siluman perempuan saya salut dengan si pilot 👍👍👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@edwinbarnett9032]

Vectored thrust is so cool

[@ricardopuchalski6929]

I have enormous admiration and respect for all aviator women just incredible (🇧🇷)

[@pamelabrigham5605]

THANK YOU MEL FOR SHARING CARING AND SERVING SELAH AMEN GOD KEEP AND BLESS YOU ALWAYS

[@theinternationaltraveller765]

Bravo , greetings from Canada

[@mickeybowmeister1944]

Respect to her having the balls to fly this bad boy....... Wait that doesn't sound right.

[@deringfundal3586]

GREAT, THANK YOU

[@carriea.2467]

You do have the best job in the world i love it...thank u for sharing video.😘😘

[@MyLisboa]

She loves her job and she should be proud of flying an expensive and powerfull bird...but I believe the best job in the world has to be either a Sports athlete being cheered by 67.000 fans for scoring a Goal in a Game ....or maybe the ACTOR who is known Worldwide on big screen...while rolling down a Red Carpet with a thousand camera flashes...😉...I believe

[@cperivolaris]

OUSTANDING!

[@skerhnekia5762]

Wow your a real Women.Much love and Respect.God Bless.

[@usmilitarypatriot]

the captain is professional

[@ntujqubqab3479]

She is one of a kind ...

[@Dra741]

Can you imagine being the boom operator on the tanker oh, and she comes up and refills oh, and you have to look her in her eyes

[@kekelaward]

I bet they're smiling cause she doesn't have to chase the bucket.

[@DmytroBaldr82]

God Bless America!

[@alfredxhafka8217]

Non ho parole piu belle e piu forte ne la terra bravo anche le sue famiglie

[@AWallgren]

Ma'am....keep doing good things.

[@salahedinne762]

Thank you very much

[@tourxiong352]

Congratulations So Proud of you! And U R Very Smart!

[@rickerson81]

That's a really slick airplane...

[@caribbaviator7058]

Great content nice

[@gregj831]

From an old Combat Bomber Puke! Great job Captain Ziebart!

[@apotebill]

Scooby: “hey don’t scratch my jet.”

[@leneanderthalien]

womans are same capable as mens to be a good fighter pilot, for example, a french woman , the Lieutenant Colonel Virginie Guyot, was 2010 leader from the "patrouille de France" (french aerobatic patrol, each year it's another leader): only the best can integrate this elite unit...

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

No they are not.....not even close. They probably let her fudge on the physicals and Gs.

[@liamwuthrich6931]

cool i am glad she enjoys ride in the vical also i was in air cadet's once and i did a little classroom once with the other cadet along time ago in my youth when the first terminator film came out.

[@tekshield]

All I can say is WOW how cool is that!

[@deringfundal3586]

Great!

[@김수천-r4m]

Mission is immportant!

[@inganordstrom-kelly3351]

I would love to be able to obtain your permission to use this video in a project. Please let me know if there is a way to contact you/your media manager. Thank you!

[@russelllocke7180]

✊ Respect

[@SC_Kang88]

멜라니 지바트의 공군기지 파견 생활에서 건강하게 보내길 바랍니다. 멋있어요.

[@Dra741]

Oh the humanity!!!

[@donatocoelho2170]

Muito bem garota !! Beatiful girl !