Capt. Kim DaCosta-Azar was the third “skipper” and first woman to become the commanding officer of the Navy’s only Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP) 19 when she took command in 2018. She won the Joy Bright Hancock award in 2020 for her leadership, specifically for her initiatives to retain aviators throughout pregnancy and parenthood. She also worked with Naval Air Forces to remove barriers and change established instructions to allow pregnant women to continue flying (unmanned) into their third trimester. DaCosta-Azar currently serves at Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 57 (2023).

Last Updated: 29 March 2023