Christine Orzada Hill

July 2026 Issue—Red, White & Brave
Photography (top) by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC


Christine Orzada Hill

Current Residence: Hilton Head Island
Hometown: Savannah, GA

Career & Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (retired) U.S. Air Force - KC-135 Navigator, B-1B Weapons System Officer (WSO)

Family: Greg, my husband, fellow Air Force officer, B-1B pilot, and biggest supporter

Favorite Passion: Anything in, on, or near the water

What inspired you to pursue such a challenging career? How and/or why did you choose your branch of service? What do you love about it?
The inspiration started with my dad taking me to a college fair, where I had the chance to talk with representatives from the Air Force Academy. It was all fascinating since I was very interested in science and engineering. But afterwards, saying to him there was no way I could do that, he responded “why not?” Next thing I knew, I was the first woman nominated to any military academy from Georgia’s First District. Funny, the very first time I flew in an airplane was to report to the Academy in Colorado Springs. From that point on, I couldn’t imagine a career that didn’t involve flying. There is nothing more exhilarating than having four massive afterburners throw you down the runway and into the air. People often thank me for my service, which I appreciate, but my response is always, “it was a privilege.”

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
The same thing that keeps you alive while flying—never get complacent and always maintain situational awareness.

What is your background and what gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue flying for the military?
I grew up the oldest of four. My parents made sure we took advantage of every opportunity that came our way. We played on most sports teams and participated in every creative or academic event that came up, but we were never pressured into doing something that wasn’t a good fit. The only requirement was once we started something, we had to finish. This taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes the toughest challenges prove to be the most rewarding. You never start out “good” at anything, but you’ll never succeed if you give up before reaching your potential. I won’t say I’m fearlessly courageous, but the reward of accomplishing something that makes your heart beat a little faster is pretty amazing. My recent daredevil move is trying to play golf—now that’s scary.

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
The Air Force got it right: Aim High. Never settle for average when extraordinary is possible. Go out of your way to help others reach that same goal. A kind word and a smile could make the difference in a person’s day.

What’s the craziest story you can tell us that has happened to you or that you’ve had to deal with on the job?
My crew was doing a Sunday B-1B fly-by at the Air and Sea show over Daytona Beach. We took off early to ensure we made our allotted slot. We were killing time over central Florida when my pilot asked me where I wanted to go next. Jokingly, I told him I had always wanted to fly around Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. To my surprise, he let air traffic control know that his back-seater wanted to check out the Disney landmark. We were cleared to “wander aimlessly” around the castle. I’m sure the kids on the ground were wondering about that massive black dragon circling overhead. We then went on to thrill the thousands on the beach with several high-speed passes, all while I was narrating our maneuvers to the crowd with the biggest smile on my face.

If you ever get down on yourself, what do you do to pull yourself up?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Sometimes you find yourself at the bottom of the barrel. Just be honest with yourself, learn from it, and work your way back to the top.

What is your most proud accomplishment so far?
When combat cockpits were opened to women, I was selected for and became the first combat-qualified woman to fly in the B-1B bomber.

Of all the things you have learned in training, what has been the most useful?
What I learned in my position working in congressional affairs at the Pentagon set me up for my second career. I went on to work in the legislative and executive branches of government as an advocate for military and veteran programs. Continuing that mission today, I am on the board of Heroes on the Water, a great organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders connect and find healing on the water.

Beyond your career, what is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a cheerleader from mini-peewee through college.

What encouragement do you have for women/girls who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
There was nothing better than having a father come up to me with his little girl and hear him tell her, “See, you could do this someday, too.” My advice would be to ask that question of “why not?” and never let anyone tell you can’t do something. Throughout my career, it only served to motivate me to accomplish what some doubted I could do.