Air Force Crew Achieves Historic Ace Status in Drone Battle

On April 13, 2024, a significant clash unfolded in the skies as the Iranian military launched approximately 200 attack drones and cruise missiles toward Israel. In the midst of this aggressive offensive, Captain Carla Nava, a weapons systems officer with the 494th Fighter Squadron based in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, found herself at the forefront of a high-stakes mission that tested her training and resolve.

With her F-15E Strike Eagle prepared for action, Nava and her pilot, Captain Claire “Atomic” Eddins, were deployed in a two-ship formation from an undisclosed location in the Middle East. The urgency of the mission, compounded by the dark of night, created a disorienting atmosphere for the crew as they prepared to engage the incoming threat. “It just hits heavier when you know the Master Arm hot switch is on,” Nava recalled, reflecting on the gravity of the situation.

Almost immediately after takeoff, the duo spotted the incoming drones, flying at low altitudes. The first aircraft in the formation attempted to engage a drone but missed, setting the stage for Nava’s role in confirming the next target. She meticulously checked the targeting pod before giving the all-clear to fire. With precision, her aircraft successfully downed the drone, marking a confirmed kill.

“It’s nerve-wracking, and then once you see it hit, it’s the biggest relief that you can have before you move on to the next target and rinse and repeat,” she stated, illustrating the tension and excitement of the moment.

Nava, who is 29 years old, has since been recognized as Military Times’ Airman of the Year. As a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Venezuela, her journey into aviation began during her time as a cadet at the Air Force Academy. She volunteered for the deployment that placed her unit directly in the path of the Iranian assault, which represented the largest air-to-air engagement for the Air Force in over half a century.

During this historic mission, both Nava and Eddins became part of an unprecedented accomplishment—the first all-female crew of aces, each achieving five air-to-air kills. Beyond their combat achievements, Nava has also focused on enhancing the experience for female airmen. She initiated a “Flying While Pregnant Roadshow” while stationed in the UK and actively represented her unit at conventions aimed at improving uniforms and equipment for women aviators.

The mission required careful strategy, and at one point, Nava made the decision to delay refueling in order to maintain their position as other aircraft in the area expended their missiles. This risky choice left them approaching a “combat bingo” fuel state, meaning they would need to land at a nearby friendly base if they could not secure aerial refueling, which they ultimately did.

By the time the crew returned to their home station, they had successfully engaged and destroyed a total of five Iranian drones. The weight of their new status as aces did not fully register until the following day when they reviewed their targeting history. “It was a win for everybody,” Nava remarked, noting that the Air Force had not seen new aces in decades. The accomplishment was celebrated by both male and female aircrews alike.

Currently, Nava is imparting her knowledge as an instructor for future combat systems officers at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Being named Airman of the Year, she emphasizes, “speaks to the village that raised me,” crediting her supportive family and the Air Force for her success. “It’s an honor … and I hope I do it justice,” she concluded, embodying the dedication and resilience that define her career.