Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide celebrated the 10th annual 'Girls in Aviation Day' (GIAD), a signature event by Women in Aviation International (WAI), across its U.S. Military International Operations Campuses throughout September 2024. The university’s campus teams in Europe and the Pacific military areas, including locations in Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Okinawa, and South Korea, hosted a range of tours, presentations, and events aimed at inspiring young girls between the ages of 4 and 18 to explore careers in aviation.
GIAD, organized by the nonprofit WAI, is designed to introduce young girls to various career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. Since its inception in 2015, the event has reached over 30,000 girls in 31 countries, encouraging them to consider fields traditionally dominated by men. This year’s GIAD marked the largest celebration in Embry-Riddle’s history on overseas military installations, attracting over 450 participants.
The activities and events, tailored for military families, were led by female pilots, maintenance technicians, and aerospace professionals who shared their experiences and showcased various facets of aviation. Participants were given hands-on experiences to fuel their interest in the industry.
In South Korea, for example, children had the opportunity to fly Chinook and Apache helicopter simulators and experience the Apache AVCATT (Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer). Active-duty female pilots led these sessions, explaining the mechanics of the aircraft, their roles, and broader mission responsibilities, followed by a Q&A about aviation careers. The participants were also taken on a tour of the air traffic control tower, where they watched live operations and even controlled simulated air traffic.
At Osan Air Base, participants were welcomed to the PAX terminal and received engaging briefings from Airfield Management, firefighters, maintenance teams, and various pilots. They learned about the inner workings of the airfield and its essential services. Meanwhile, at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, HSM-51 provided children with a close-up look at an H-60 helicopter, allowing them to see the systems in action and experience a ride on the rescue basket system.
In Japan, the Yokota Air Base Aeroclub collaborated with the base's Air Traffic Control, Life Support Section, and 36th Flying Squadron to provide an interactive experience. This included demonstrations using night vision goggles, giving participants a glimpse into night operations. Additionally, at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, over 100 attendees toured KC-135, HH-60, and F-15 aircraft, in collaboration with the U.S. Girl Scouts.
On the European side, the Wiesbaden Campus event offered a special presentation by WO1 Alexyss Hoffman on the history of aviation, highlighting famous female aviators and the pathway to becoming a pilot. Participants also had the chance to tour static displays of the C-35 plane and the Blackhawk Helicopter, where female pilots and crew members answered questions about their roles and the aircraft. ERAU alumnus Antonnio Boone, Chief of the Air Traffic Control Tower, led a tour of the new tower.
ERAU campuses worldwide made sure even the youngest aviators were able to engage with aviation and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts. In collaboration with local base libraries, children participated in physics-based activities. At Yokosuka Naval Base and Rota Naval Air Station, children built paper airplanes, testing the most aerodynamic designs, and attended storytime sessions about notable female aviators.
In addition, the Misawa Campus in Japan worked with the local Misawa Aviation & Science Museum, home to 'Miss Veedol', the first aircraft to fly non-stop across the Pacific Ocean in 1931. Attendees explored the museum through a scavenger hunt that delved into the history of aviation and space exploration, and they even got the chance to simulate flying over Misawa City.
Hayley Yamanaka, Associate Executive Director of PACOM Campus Operations, highlighted the significance of this year’s event, stating, “It’s a true honor and privilege to collaborate with WAI and the remarkable women in both military and civilian aviation to pave the way for the next generation of young aviators. Our Campus teams and gracious volunteers are passionate about ensuring children on military bases throughout the world are provided with as many opportunities as possible to take their dreams to new heights”.
Nancy Tran-Horne, Executive Director of U.S. Military Europe/PACOM Campus Operations, echoed these sentiments. “The power of Girls in Aviation Day crosses international borders to inspire the next generation of leaders in aviation, aerospace, and STEM. Each year, ERAU looks forward to providing meaningful engagement activities for future leaders on military installations around the globe”.
