A Legacy of Service: Maj. Aisha Lockett Published Feb. 23, 2024 By Senior Airman Miyah Gray 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Maj. Aisha Lockett, 97th Force Support Squadron commander, embodies the essence of service, not only to her country but also to her community. Her journey, which is rooted in a family tradition of military service, is a testament to the impact individuals can make when they commit to a cause larger than themselves. As Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the legacies of trailblazers past and present, Lockett's story is a source of inspiration and empowerment. Through her commitment to service and leadership, she embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and excellence that defines the black community's enduring legacy of service. Despite making up less than 1% of commissioned officers, women like Lockett continue to defy expectations and shatter barriers. "I actually joined the Air Force because I'm a believer in service," Lockett said. "My parents were both in the Army and I saw that example growing up." Her decision to follow in her parent’s footsteps was a choice driven by a desire to give back. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the life-changing power of military service through the experiences of her parents and her twin sister. "I saw my sister doing JROTC in high school, and she came home excited about everything they were doing," Lockett said. "Meanwhile, my elective was home economics and I felt like I wanted something a little bit more exciting." It was through this experience that Lockett discovered her passion for leadership and service. "It pushed me to be a different person," she said. "And, again, being able to impact people's lives in a little bit of a different way was what drew me to it." Following her graduation from Tuskegee University, Lockett pursued the commissioning route while her sister opted for enlistment. Despite taking different paths, their commitment remained unwavering. For Lockett, assuming command of a squadron was not just a career milestone but a lifelong ambition. "After commissioning, going into squadron command was my number one goal," she said. "I’m able to drive a lot of support and guidance for taking care of people." As a black female commander in a predominantly male-dominated field, Lockett recognizes the significance of her position. "To the black community, particularly young women, I want to say, 'Hey, you can be this, you can do this,'' she affirmed. "To see it, be it - that's the mindset."