A Miami woman’s passion for flying helped her make history as the first black female U.S. Coast Guard aviator.
Lt. J.G. Jeanine McIntosh, who received her wings in the 2005 ceremony at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, said the experience has been humbling.
“I’m just really honored,” she said after the ceremony. “There’s no other word for it.”
McIntosh began her training at the base in January, learning the instruments and flight patterns and going on missions.
But the road to her dream has not been smooth. She underwent laser eye surgery to correct her vision and had to overcome her fear of water.
“Conquering so many personal struggles prepared me for the mental drive necessary to complete the extremely challenging training regimen,” McIntosh said.