The US Air Force pilot made history by becoming one of the first crew members to fly a supersonic aircraft while pregnant.

Major Lauren Olm, Deputy Director of Operations for the 77th Weapons Squadron at Dyce Air Force Base near Abilene, Texas, recently flew a B-1 Lancer.

According to an Air Force press release, Lauren’s unborn child “has 9.2 hours of supersonic flight time.”

“It’s amazing that pregnant women now have the opportunity to fly all types of aircraft,” Olme said, adding that “it was a very personal decision that my husband Mark and I made because flying B-class is risky.” 1 during pregnancy. However, after consulting with the Air Force and private doctors, I felt comfortable flying for a few more weeks.”

Olm is married to Major Mark Olm, weapons officer, Bomber Wing, 7th Operational Support Squadron, also based at Dysa. The couple is expecting a baby in April.

Both Lauren and Mark are graduates of the US Air Force Academy and are trained to fly B-1 bombers. They graduated from the Air Force Weapons School, similar to the Navy’s “Top Gun” program.

The Air Force changed its policy last year and lifted some restrictions on pregnant Air Force members. Air Force members can now “voluntarily fly while pregnant”.

“All pregnant pilots are allowed to apply for a waiver, regardless of trimester, aircraft or flight profile,” the Air Force said in an April 2022 press release.

“These changes are an important step in the right direction to enable every member of our team to reach their full potential,” Air Minister Frank Kendall said at the time.