In a groundbreaking achievement for women aviators, a fighter pilot from the United States Navy has become the first American woman to secure a victory in air-to-air combat, according to the Navy. Though her identity remains unknown, the pilot earned this distinction by successfully taking down a Houthi drone during a combat deployment on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The Houthi rebel group, based in Yemen, has been targeting civilian merchant ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters with numerous attack drones. The Navy revealed that the pilot, accompanied by the Strike Fighter Squadron 32, nicknamed the "Flying Swordsmen," was flying an F/A-18 Super Hornet when she engaged and destroyed the hostile drone. The squadron fired more than 20 air-to-air missiles, countering one-way Houthi drones set on attacking merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.

While the exact timing of the triumphant drone takedown remains unclear, the deployment of the squadron, which spanned nine months, concluded earlier this month. They returned to the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach on July 14, marking a historic milestone for the entire unit.

Commander Jason Hoch, the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 32, praised the squadron's exceptional performance and acknowledged the unwavering support of their friends and families back home. He emphasized the outstanding dedication and skill of the highly trained sailors who ensured unparalleled flexibility and effectiveness in combat.

Throughout their deployment, the squadron accumulated more than 3,000 combat hours and successfully executed over 1,500 combat missions, a remarkable feat as described by the Navy. This deployment saw their involvement in operations Inherent Resolve, the campaign against the Islamic State, and Prosperity Guardian, aimed at countering Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthi attacks on commercial ships in this critical international shipping route have been ongoing since November. Backed by Iran, the rebel group's drone attacks have led to tragic consequences, including fatalities among mariners. In June, a Houthi strike on a cargo ship in the Red Sea resulted in the vessel sinking and the loss of at least one life. Another Houthi attack in March claimed the lives of three people and injured four others aboard a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden, according to U.S. officials.

As the squadron completes their historic deployment, their exceptional performance serves as a testament to the bravery and commitment of these sailors. The United States Navy remains dedicated to safeguarding international shipping routes against all threats, further solidifying their commitment to defense and security.