The first female fighter pilot in the United States armed forces was Lieutenant Colonel Shayne A. K. L. M. S. McGowan, who served in the Air Force and flew on combat missions during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. However, many recognize Captain Amy L. R. H. H. as one of the first women to serve as an Air Force fighter pilot, flying the F-15 Eagle. Her achievements helped pave the way for greater acceptance of women in combat roles, influencing policy changes and military practices regarding gender integration in the armed forces.