Shawna Kimbrell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shawna Kimbrell
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| Birth name | Shawna Rochelle Ng A Qui |
| Born | April 20, 1976 Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Rank |  Lt. Colonel |
| Unit | 78th Attack Squadron, 926th Fighter Wing |
| Battles/wars | Operation Southern Watch Operation Northern Watch Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Awards |  Air Medal Meritorious Service Medal Aerial Achievement Medal Air Force Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal National Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Iraq Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Korean Defense Service Medal |
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell (born April 20, 1976) is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. She made history as the first female African-American fighter pilot in the Air Force. She flew F-16 jets during combat missions in Operation Northern Watch. She is currently stationed at Nellis Air Force Base where she flies MQ-9 drones and leads missions.
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She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. She works as an instructor for a special Air Force course at Creech Air Force Base.
Early Life and Education
Shawna Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Indiana. She was the youngest of four children. Her parents, Eve and Dr. Norman Ng A Qui, moved to the United States. They became U.S. citizens before Shawna was born.
Her family later moved to Parker, Colorado. When she was in fourth grade, Shawna decided she wanted to become a fighter pilot. This dream started at a young age.
She had her very first flying lesson when she was fourteen. After that, she joined the Civil Air Patrol. She also worked at air shows, which helped her learn more about planes. She eventually earned her private pilot's license.
After high school, Kimbrell attended the United States Air Force Academy. She graduated in 1998 with a degree in General Engineering. She then went through pilot training and officially became a pilot in August 1999. Kimbrell also has a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Career Highlights
Kimbrell joined the Air Force as an officer in 1998 after graduating from the Air Force Academy. She completed her pilot training in August 1999. She then trained to fly F-16 fighter jets. In August 2000, she became the first African American female fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force.
Her first assignment was with the 13th Fighter Squadron in Misawa, Japan. During this time, she was sent to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. She supported missions called Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch. Her flights in Operation Northern Watch made her the first female pilot to fly combat missions for Misawa's 35th Fighter Wing. She also became the first African American female pilot to use weapons in combat during Operation Northern Watch.
In July 2004, she completed another special course. She then worked with the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron. Later, she was sent to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2007, she moved to Aviano Air Base in Italy. There, she helped lead the 555th Fighter Squadron.
In 2009, Kimbrell moved to Nellis Air Force Base. She became an instructor and managed a course for Air Liaison Officers. In October 2013, she left active duty Air Force. She then joined the Air Force Reserves.
Personal Life
Shawna Kimbrell is married to Travis Kimbrell. They have two sons named Kade and Jakeb.
Awards and Decorations
- Air Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Army Commendation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Korean Defense Service Medal
