Second Lt. Amber Gopher has become the first Native American female officer in the Air National Guard, following her commissioning ceremony with the Montana ANG’s 120th Fighter Wing last week, reports the Great Falls Tribune. Both Gopher, who is a nurse, and Army National Guard 1st Lt. Carla Lott, who officiated in the swearing in ceremony, are Blackfeet tribal members.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.