Footage shows U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. and newly crowned Miss America Madison Marsh taking off on an F-16 Fighting Falcon jet at the Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on December 19.

Marsh, the reigning Miss Colorado and an active-duty Air Force officer, was crowned Miss America this weekend.

The 22-year-old recently graduated from the Air Force Academy with a degree in physics, and is the first active-duty Air Force officer to win the coveted title.

Marsh, who is balancing military service as a second lieutenant, pursuing a master's degree in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, and preparing for the national beauty pageant, expressed her excitement about bringing together her military and pageant experiences.

She said she aims to inspire others to break limitations and discover their passions.

The journey for this modern-day 'Top Gun' pilot began with childhood dreams of obtaining a pilot's license.

After joining the Air Force Academy, Marsh explored pageants as an extracurricular activity, ultimately winning the Miss Colorado crown just three years later.

Her unique position as an active-duty officer on the national stage sets a precedent in the Miss America organisation.

Securing the Miss America crown, Marsh said she plans to use her platform to advocate for women in the military and dispel stereotypes.

The promising young lady said she envisions a career in cancer research, inspired by the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer.

Using her studies at the Kennedy School, she aims to delve into policy-making to address issues hindering the implementation of comprehensive cancer policies for all Americans.