• Mar 28, 2024
  • 8:03 AM

This Spy is On Our Side and Making History


By Chuck N. Baker

(Reno, Nev.) — When you understand what this article is about, I’m certain you’ll agree the headline is the very definition of hackneyed. But hey, I couldn’t resist. Nevada Air National Guard Major Sarah Spy (get it?) is the first female instructor pilot — or training manager — in the Nevada Guard. The seeds of becoming the first female instructor pilot were planted at a young age, before Spy could reach the controls in a cockpit, much less operate them. Her childhood dream was noted in a story written by a public affairs officer from her last unit, the 152nd Airlift Wing when Spy related how an airplane trip to Florida at the age of eight, made a lasting impression. “From the moment we started rolling down the runway, I was glued to the window,” Spy said. “I just thought it was amazing. I never grew out of that.” It was a preview of her future, watching the ground as it appeared to pull away from the aircraft. Her observation through the glass portal of the plane carried the promise of her own rise as a pilot. It became more than a mere window. It was an opening to a whole new world.

The 152nd Airlift Wing has a primary wartime mission of providing rapid airlift and airdrop of cargo and troops. In addition, members can also fly specialized reconnaissance missions in support of military command and control operations. Add the countering of illegal drug operations, providing disaster relief and photo mapping for federal and state agencies, Spy’s unit is tasked to deploy anywhere on the globe on both day and night missions. In addition to the wartime mission, the unit also has a peacetime responsibility training combat-ready aircrew and assigned personnel. In its state mission, the 152nd has had occasion to provide assistance battling local state emergencies such as fires, floods, riots and search and rescue operations.

Today Spy is an accomplished military pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours, numerous deployments, multiple exercises, and many certifications under her belt. It was last year when she added the accomplishment of being the first female instructor pilot in the Nevada Air National Guard. “Women are becoming more normalized in the field, and hopefully that encourages more to consider becoming pilots,” Spy said.

Spy said she wants anyone with aspirations of flying to know that it’s possible. “I just wouldn’t want anyone to give up because I’ve heard so many times [that] ‘I was wanting to be a pilot, but I couldn’t do this, I had that issue, or I can’t afford it,’” said Spy. She works hard to help others overcome any stumbling blocks that arise in their life’s journey. “Giving up has never been an option. I never felt like any of the challenges I faced during my career were insurmountable … I hope my story inspires women to be what they want to be.”

The aircraft she pilots in the Guard is a C-130 Hercules, which is fitting because Hercules is of the best-known heroes in Greek and Roman mythology. The legendary figure Hercules is said to have endured many trials and completed many daunting tasks. But the reward for his suffering was a promise that he would live forever among the gods at Mount Olympus. Like Hercules, Major Spy also overcame obstacles, and her airborne accomplishments will live forever in Nevada’s history.

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