Turbulence Ahead: Leading Amidst Uncertainty

Most widely recognized for her service on September 11, Lt. (Retired) Heather “Lucky” Penney was part of the pioneering first wave of women who entered fighters directly from pilot training. Lucky was the first and only woman in the 121st Fighter Squadron during her time flying the F-16, conducting combat air patrols over Washington DC and deploying to combat twice. She was airborne the first night of initial combat for Operation Iraqi Freedom, tasked as a night-time SCUD Hunter in the western deserts of Iraq and also supporting Special Operations Forces. Heather is a Senior Resident Fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, where she conducts extensive research on cutting-edge defense policy with a focus on the leveraging the critical advantage that only aerospace power affords. She is a recognized expert on defense policy areas such as the defense industrial base, autonomous systems, force structure, acquisition reform, and future operational concepts. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in American Studies from Purdue University. Prior to joining the Mitchell Institute, Heather was a Director of various Air Force programs for Lockheed Martin, specializing in capture management, government relations, and strategic business development. Her portfolio included the F-22, the F-16, F-35 training, and the Air Force’s Advanced Pilot Training competition to replace the T-38.