May 24th 2024.
Captain Theresa Claiborne has had an illustrious career in aviation, spanning nearly 43 years and culminating in her retirement from United Airlines on May 23rd. She made history as the first African American woman to fly in the U.S. Air Force, and her final flight was a symbolic full circle as she landed a United 787 Dreamliner in Newark, New Jersey after a journey from Lisbon, Portugal. As she arrived, she received a water cannon salute and celebrated with her loved ones. Reflecting on this transition, Claiborne shared her mixed emotions, stating, "After this, walking through the airport, I won't have a uniform on...people will just look at me like I'm just a passenger like everyone else; that'll be a little different."
Growing up in Virginia, Claiborne's love for flying began at the young age of seven when she took her first flight. She pursued this passion and joined the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps while in college. After experiencing the thrill of piloting a T-37 jet trainer, she solidified her path and declared, "Once I got that first taste of being in the air and being in command of the airplane, I was like, 'Yeah, this is what I'm going to do.'" She obtained her pilot's license shortly after graduating from California State University in Sacramento and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
In 1981, Claiborne broke barriers as the first Black woman to fly in the U.S. Air Force, a milestone that still gives her chills to this day. She continued to make history as the first Black woman command pilot and instructor for the KC-135 refueling jet. In 1990, she joined United Airlines as a flight officer and worked her way up to captain.
Her accomplishments and achievements are numerous, including 7 years of active duty in the USAF, 13 years in the USAF Reserves, and 34 years as a United pilot. She is also the co-founder and current President of Sisters of the Skies, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Black women to become pilots. She was even recently honored with the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award. As a role model and trailblazer, Claiborne continues to inspire young people and particularly young Black women to pursue their dreams of flying.
As she looks towards the future, Claiborne plans to become an author and fulfill her dream of piloting a historic WWII aircraft or the legendary Red Tail fighter of the Tuskegee Airmen. She acknowledges her blessings and significant responsibility as one of the fewer than 150 Black women pilots in the US. She will also be stepping down from her position with Sisters of the Skies, but she remains dedicated to mentorship and inspiring the next generation. "To still impart that knowledge on young people, and particularly young Black women, that they can do this," she said. Captain Theresa Claiborne's legacy will continue to soar, and her impact on the aviation industry will be felt for years to come. We salute you, Captain Claiborne!
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