Over the course of her illustrious career, Sara Joyner has made important contributions to the US Navy. In 1991, she joined the navy as a pilot, and in 1996, she joined Strike Fighter Squadron 147 and flew the F/A-18 Hornet as a fighter. She became the first woman to fly a strike jet and lead a Navy fighter squadron, VFA-105, in 2007. She later led a deployment on the USS Harry S. Truman in 2013 while serving as the commander of Carrier Air Wing Three.
Among his many honors are the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. Joyner was named the Director for Manpower and Personnel (J1) for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in June 2018. Prior to her appointment as the Navy’s Chief of Legislative Affairs in May 2022, she took over leadership of Carrier Strike Group 2 in August 2019. On the Joint Staff, she still holds the position of Director for Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment.
Born on Hoopers Island, Maryland, Sara Joyner comes from a long line of Navy families. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1951, her father, Commander Hubert Applegarth, served until 1977.William Francis Applegarth Sr., her great-grandfather, was a member of the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates.
Joyner followed in her family’s footsteps by enrolling in the US Naval Academy and earning a degree in oceanography in 1989. After completing flight school and receiving her navy aviator wings in July 1991, she quickly advanced to the position of fighter pilot. Her formative Navy years provided a solid basis for her innovative leadership and naval aviation accomplishments.
Joyner has broken down barriers and set an inspiring example for future generations as the first female strike jet pilot to command a carrier air wing and a Navy fighter unit. Her outstanding accomplishments to the US Navy are reflected in her many honors and promotions, and her continuous service demonstrates her unwavering dedication to the country’s defense.
Her service is much honored.
