Rosemary Bryant Mariner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rosemary Bryant Mariner
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Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner
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| Born |
Rosemary Ann Bryant
April 2, 1953 |
| Died | January 24, 2019 (aged 65) |
| Other names | "Sabre" |
| Alma mater | Purdue University National War College |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 1 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1973–1997 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Commands held | VAQ-34 |
Rosemary Bryant Mariner was an amazing American pilot. She was born on April 2, 1953, and passed away on January 24, 2019. She made history as one of the first six women to become a United States Naval Aviator in 1974. This means she earned her "wings" to fly for the U.S. Navy.
Rosemary was also the first female military pilot to fly a special type of plane called a tactical jet. Later, she became the first woman to lead an aviation squadron. This was a big deal for women in the military.
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Early Life and Learning to Fly
Rosemary Ann Bryant was born in Harlingen, Texas. She grew up in San Diego, California. From a young age, she loved airplanes and wanted to fly. Her mom was a Navy nurse during World War II. Her dad was an Air Force pilot during the Korean War. Sadly, her father died in a plane crash when she was only three years old.
As she grew up, Rosemary loved watching planes at Miramar Naval Air Station. She took on many jobs to earn money for flying lessons. She cleaned houses and even washed airplanes.
She went to Purdue University and graduated in December 1972. She was only 19 years old. Rosemary was the first woman to graduate from Purdue's aviation program. She studied aviation technology. Before joining the Navy, she also earned special licenses to be a flight engineer and a pilot. Later, while in the Navy, she earned a master's degree from the National War College. This degree was in National Security Strategy.
Rosemary Bryant Mariner joined the U.S. Navy in 1973. She was one of the first eight women chosen for Navy pilot training. She finished her officer training in Newport, Rhode Island. Then, she went to Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida for flight training.
In June 1974, she officially became a Naval Aviator. She was one of the first six women to earn this title. The other women were Barbara Allen Rainey, Jane Skiles O'Dea, Judith Ann Neuffer, Ana Marie Fuqua, and Joellen Drag.
In 1975, Rosemary was one of the first female military pilots to fly a tactical strike aircraft. This was a single-seat A-4L Skyhawk jet. In 1976, she started flying the A-7E Corsair II. This made her the first woman to fly a front-line tactical jet.
In 1982, Rosemary became the first female pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier. This was the USS Lexington. In 1984, she also earned a special title as a Surface Warfare Officer.
In 1987, Rosemary was chosen to lead an aviation unit in the U.S. Navy. This was another first for women. In 1990, she became the first woman to command an aviation squadron. During Operation Desert Storm, she led Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty Four (VAQ-34). She flew the EA-7L and A-7E jets in training exercises.
From 1991 to 1993, Rosemary was the president of Women Military Aviators, Inc. She helped remove rules that stopped military women from flying in combat. In April 1993, Secretary of Defense Les Aspin changed these rules. Rosemary, along with Jane Skiles O'Dea, Commander Lin Hutton, and Naval Reserve Commander Joellen Oslund, were among the first women chosen to become a captain in the U.S. Navy.
Rosemary's last job in the military was teaching at the National War College. She retired after 24 years of service. She had landed on aircraft carriers 17 times. She also flew over 3,500 hours in 15 different Navy aircraft.
Rosemary Mariner retired from the Navy as a captain at the end of 1997. From 2002 to 2016, she worked at the University of Tennessee. She was a scholar and a lecturer in the history department.
Family Life
Rosemary Mariner lived in Norris, Tennessee. She lived with her husband, Tommy Mariner, who was also a retired Navy commander. They had a daughter named Emmalee. Rosemary was a Christian. Her friend and fellow pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, said that Rosemary found strength in her faith.
Her Passing
Rosemary Mariner passed away on January 24, 2019. She was 65 years old. She had been battling ovarian cancer for five years.
Funeral Service
Rosemary's funeral was held on February 2, 2019. During the service, the United States Navy did something special. For the first time ever, an all-female pilot team flew over the cemetery. They performed a Missing Man Flyover with four F/A-18F aircraft. This was a tribute to Rosemary.
See also
