Alameda native first woman to fly president's helicopter

AP via Oakland Tribune ^ | 07/20/2009 | Darlene Superville

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Alameda native first woman to fly president's helicopter

By Darlene Superville Associated Press

Posted: 07/20/2009 03:22:10 PM PDT

Updated: 07/20/2009 11:34:20 PM PDT

WASHINGTON — Jennifer Grieves wanted independence, exposure and something she could be proud of when she joined the Marine Corps. She got all that, and more — including a place in history as the first woman to pilot Marine One, the president's helicopter.

For about 40 times in the past 14 months, the Alameda native has been the one responsible for ferrying President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney to and from Andrews Air Force Base, and other points in their world travels.

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Marine Corps Maj. Jennifer Grieves is interviewed at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

Marine Corps Maj. Jennifer Grieves is interviewed at the White House in Washington, Friday, July 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) (Haraz N. Ghanbari)

[SatinDoll]

Huh! I am surprised she isn’t black.

[missnry]

Her 14-month rotation as a "Marine One" ended Thursday with another first: An all-female crew, led by Grieves, landed on the South Lawn of the White House to take Obama to Andrews for a day trip to New Jersey and New York.

Isn't there another country leader that was surrounded by all women? Moahmar K..., it's on the tip of my tongue, it'll come to me.

[SamuraiScot]

All the best to Maj. Grieves, who may be a stellar pilot, but as a policy matter, petty tokenism like this is for show, and ends up getting people killed. Not necessarily because the individuals are incompetent, but that the focus of the organization veers away from its essentials.

And Obummer has no essentials to begin with.

[SC Swamp Fox]

For about 40 times in the past 14 months, the Alameda native has been the one responsible for ferrying President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney to and from Andrews Air Force Base, and other points in their world travels.

It was part of the mess they inherited. Bush's fault.

[9YearLurker]

So are you suggesting that no women pilot such—or simply that news stories not be focused on it?

[TSgt]

All the best to Maj. Grieves, who may be a stellar pilot, but as a policy matter, petty tokenism like this is for show, and ends up getting people killed. Not necessarily because the individuals are incompetent, but that the focus of the organization veers away from its essentials.

Sir, I've flown with several very qualified female military pilots. What is your proof that she was not the most qualified?

[docbnj]

It’s a nice accomplishment to be able to fly a helicopter, which is not easy. However, is this really “history.” After all, how many thousand helicopter pilots are there out there? Is the President’s helicopter different from others of the same model? Does it fly especially far? Just what is so “historic” about this?

Are we really supposed to be surprised that a woman can operate a piece of machinery?

Isn’t it a bit contradictory for libs to assert the complete equality of women, and then act astonished when a woman can fly a helicopter?

Flying is an individual accomplishment, for which we can all congratulate Maj. Grieves. However, it is hardly “historic.”

[Reagan69]

Hummm... what could go wrong..

JUST KIDDING ! She’s a cutie. Good thing she isn’t flying around slick Willie.

[9YearLurker]

Agreed. These petty historic ‘firsts’ should have been retired by now.

[Hulka]

That is soooo true.

[mad_as_he$$]

Winner! Mrs. Mad is incensed by this story for exactly the reasons you posted. It is a BIG surprise that women can fly a helo? WTF? One of my best buddy's is the worst driver I know. Never has accidents just drives erratically. I would rather ride with his wife who is a great driver. Just the way it is.

[Hulka]

Oh. . .and the sad thing is, the token thinks they are just that good, better than all the rest. . .they simply can’t see the obvious. . .that is why they are dangerous.

[glide625]

That’s not really her; that’s a stunt double to sheild the real identity for security purposes. Remember the “she” we’re talking about is from “Almeda” which probably is code for the “she” part being a relative term.

[STONEWALLS]

“Just what is so “historic” about this?”

...exactly!...what it’s really about is the MSM’s obsession with victimization and opression.

[Hulka]

The best I ever flew with was “good.” Not excellent. Not superior. Just plain ol’ average good.

In pilot training there would be at least a half dozen women in the class, and usually most all would wash out. . .except for the last one or two. For them, the powers that be would staple a Samsonite handle on their back and carry them through the program, waiving requirements, extra rides far in excess of the training schedule. . .etc. Hultgran (sp?), anyone?

(IP meetings we were briefed to give a “pass” to a women if they even came close, regardless of the grade a male would receive.) Point being, because of all the affirmative action going on we can legitimately ask "did she get there on merit, or was she a diversity hire to make things look good?" That is a legitimate question brought on my affirmative action, period.

[WesternPacific]

...to take Obama to Andrews for a day trip to New Jersey and New York.

Between Date Nights and Day Trips, does this pretender ever work?

[onedoug]

She’s proud of flying obuma around?