Hultgreen

Hultgreen refers to Lieutenant Kara S. Hultgreen, a pioneering United States Navy fighter pilot. She was one of the first female carrier-based fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy.

Kara Hultgreen (October 5, 1965 – October 25, 1994) was assigned to Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213) while deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Tragically, she died in a crash while attempting to land her F-14A Tomcat on the carrier during routine training operations off the coast of Southern California.

Her service and death became a focal point in discussions about women in combat roles within the U.S. military. While her skills were highly regarded, the incident sparked controversy and debate, with some questioning the suitability of women for demanding combat positions. Subsequent investigations examined the circumstances surrounding the crash and her qualifications, ultimately concluding that pilot error was a contributing factor, though the complexity of the aircraft and other potential contributing factors were also considered. Hultgreen's legacy remains a complex and sensitive subject within naval aviation history.