While seated inside the P-8A Poseidon, the U.S. Navy's patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, Petty Officer 2^nd Class Yesenia Hernandez (left) and Petty Officer 3^rd Class Jordan Mathews (right) said, "their jobs play an important role in keeping the Poseidon flying. U.S. Navy officials say the increased female representation in aviation careers is a benefit of modern platforms, such as the P-8A Poseidon, as well as changes in Navy-wide policies such as parental leave, and post-childbirth operational deferments.