CSAR pilot makes Air Force Reserve history
Citizen Airman Maj. Jennifer Orton recently found out she is the first female fixed-wing combat search and rescue pilot in US Air Force Reserve history.
The US Air Force Reserve has reported that one of its pilots, Citizen Airman Maj. Jennifer Orton, recently found out she is the first female fixed-wing combat search and rescue (CSAR) pilot in US Air Force Reserve history.
As part of the 39th Rescue Squadron, Orton has logged approximately 3,000 hrs flight time, including deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa, but spends most her time looking after two young children.
“Maj. Orton is a very professional aviator,” stated Lt Col David Underwood, CSAR pilot with the 39th Rescue Squadron. “She always comes well prepared and ready to execute whatever task we have. With over 20 years of experience as an enlisted crew member, and as an officer, she has a perspective that few in our community have.”
Orton began her career as an aircraft loadmaster before gaining a bachelor’s of science in education degree and then completing flight school. She now flies the HC-130P/N King plane.
Orton commented: “I love the variety of missions we fly. There are so many different things we do in the C-130, like refuelling, hauling cargo and dropping PJs [pararescuemen].”