Government

All-Female, American Sortie Flies Bombing Mission Against Taliban – Meet ‘Dudette 07’

Does this qualify as ‘breaking the glass ceiling’ from above?

One wonders what Afghanistan’s Taliban troops would think if they knew the American F-15s dropping bombs from high in the sky were flown by an all-female crew?  The entire crew of ‘Dudette 07’ happens to be female, from the pilots and weapons officers to the mission planners and maintainers.

Captain Jennifer Morton is seen doing a pre-flight check.

All Female, American Sortie Flies Bombing Mission Against Taliban   Meet Dudette 07

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sheila deVera

The official statement on this historic event comes from the US Military:

3/31/2011 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) – A team of female Airmen made history here March 30 when the F-15E Strike Eagles of “Dudette 07” blazed down the runway to provide close air support for coalition and Afghan ground forces.

The two-ship formation consisted of all females, two pilots and two weapons system officers, but more importantly, it marked the first combat mission flown from Bagram to be planned, maintained and flown entirely by females.

Meet these ‘Top Guns’ up close and personal:

Indeed, a perfect way to close out ‘Women’s History Month.’

Comments (179)

  • alaskajohn
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:50pm

    If the crew was put together with the intent of having an all femle crew it’s a bunch of pc crap. If however, they were thrown together as a crew without knowledge of gender, than it’s pretty kool. Either way, smoke a camel for me girls.

    Report Post »  
  • Ray2447
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:49pm

    Of course the PC military, and PC media (right wing and left wing), would never again hype a story about women in the military, like they did with Jessica Lynch.

    Report Post »  
  • tiredofprogressives
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:46pm

    When they were bombing I hope they were eating pork sandwiches and wearing bikini’s.

    Report Post » tiredofprogressives  
  • ★Upson Downs★
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:42pm

    May God bless them, and keep them safe.

    Report Post » ☠ suʍop uɐsdn ☠  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:41pm

    rock and roll,or should i say bomb baby bomb????? at least they are not wearing those rags on their heads, and any what took so long,heck,if these women are like my wife of 25 years, then they should be dang good at multitasking and trust me my wife can do anything i can do and probably do it with out all the stress, so i say let more fly and then you will find osama bin laden. heck my wife can hit a deer from about 250 yards, so let them have the bombs amd lets see how many of the tallywackers rag heads will come out and play. keep up the good work ladies and may god please you and protect everyone of our troops, FLY LADIES FLY

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:40pm

    My main concern about this article is I believe that it is obvious that this was set up as a publicity stunt. When public affairs concerns over ride military concern then there is a problem. This would be like someone deciding that it would be great for public affairs if they set it up with everyone named Douglas, so they go through all sorts of contortions to make sure that everyone assigned has the same last name. It could quickly come to the point that a person’s last name would be more important then their actual skill or experience. I just think it is a slippery slope to start out on.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:51pm

      Exactly correct. It’s propaganda, pure and simple. And judging by this thread, it works.

      The airs were cleared years ago of any actual aircraft that could oppose our bombers, by male pilots. The anti-aircraft ground capability of the ground forces we’re supposedly “fighting” are nil. There was less risk to their lives than any of us took this morning driving to work on the freeway.

      All pure, distilled propaganda extolling the Glorious Emancipated People’s Soldier, and nothing else.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • FLyoverman
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:39pm

    The idiot who released the information about these pilots should have their career ended on the spot. Te idiot on The Blaze who released this information should also have their career ended on the spot. What utter stupidity.

    Report Post »  
  • old guy in SC
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:37pm

    I’m retired Navy. Was on a ship when the Commanding Officer, Executive Offficer, Chief Engineer; 9 of the 14 officers and half the crew were female. Capability is not a problem. That ship (USS MERRIMACK, AO-179) could have been run by a full complement of female sailors. We had a female Boatswain’s Mate who could outwork any two of the others (male or female). The problems begin when our sisters, wives, daughters, and grand-daughters get captured by the 7th century barbarians were are engaged with in the current situations. GOD help them. When (hopefully never) a pilot or crewmember is captured and treated like Lara Logan the news reporter, maybe the whole “women in combat” idea will be re-considered. My wife, sister, daughter, or grandadaughters will not got war unless it’s on our shores. Certainly not to some 1400 year old conflict in which we don’t belong in the first place.

    Report Post » old guy in SC  
    • Thing
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 5:04pm

      They are not that into woman at all, there was even military report about popularity of this ancient Greek tradition and its efects, but was completly ignored as GaYtes ,Mullen Liberman and Snow were preparing to repeal DADT. So information, about country where majority are gay, would seriously damage this born that way legend and efforts to turn US military into American Red Army

      Report Post »  
  • fourfreedom
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:36pm

    Finally, kick ass girls!!! They train the same, why not, they know the repercussions of getting caught, as one female vet, you know..

    Report Post » fourfreedom  
  • 1952
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:36pm

    You can’t get more patriotic than this… they know what would happen if they crashed, but they still go ahead. Anyone brave enough to face this is OK in my book. Just hope we don’t make them wear head scarfs while on their missions!!!

    Report Post » 1952  
    • Gates
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 3:35pm

      For the sake of Political Correctness we are allowing women to be subjected to much more serious consequences than men should they be captured. Sorry, that just absolutely WRONG!

      Report Post »  
  • Ray2447
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:35pm

    More than 97% of dead and wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are men, less than 3% are women. Historically, 99.999% of dead and wounded in America’s wars are men. Of the more than 58,000 American men whose names are on the Vietnam war memorial, approximately 42% died for America without ever having the right to vote. Eight women’s names appear on the Vietnam war memorial. All were old enough to vote at the time of their deaths. Four of the Iwo Jima flag raisers (all men) died for America without ever having the right to vote. We hear a lot of feminist propaganda about “gender equality” both from the left, and the right, but it appears it’s mostly men who are the disposable sex. Spare me the hypocrisy.

    Report Post »  
  • Drum Man
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:34pm

    Give ‘em hell ladies!

    Report Post » Drum Man  
  • thomas242007
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:34pm

    Now thats how you fight a war drop bombs on the enemy! these women know how to fight a war bring back the oldschool way of fighting wars please!! mass bomb dropping all over the city then napalm then send in the troops to clean up! keep up the good work!

    Report Post » thomas242007  
  • TenStrings
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:33pm

    The psycological affect this story alone has on the fanatic muslim jihadists makes me grin. They’ll never know for sure if that 2000 lb JDAM they catch from above was delivered them by a woman NOT wearing a burkah. I love this!

    Report Post » TenStrings  
  • hi
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:33pm

    how ironic that women are kicking the butts of those muslim women-hater bastards!!

    Report Post » hi  
    • Czar Casm
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 11:05pm

      What do you think the Afghan women are thinking about this?

      Are they thinking “go girl!” or are they too steeped in their ancient culture and see’s them as infidels in the worst way. I think the latter. Kinda like some women that never leaves an abussive relationship.

      Report Post »  
  • GoldenRudy
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:32pm

    I thought the job/mission of our military was not to “make history” but to kill our enemies and destroy our enemies’ property. I think our new military is focused on the former and not the latter. This article, along with the one about women in combat wearing the muslim headgear rather than the issued GI helmut for which taxpayers paid a lot of $$$ to develop. Why put women in harm’s way? I wonder what “history” the enemy will make when/if any of these women are captured? Is it worth the risk?

    Report Post » GoldenRudy  
    • jdhood
      Posted on April 5, 2011 at 8:06am

      Perhaps these crews are quite capable of the task at hand, and last time I checked, they had to train, and COMPETE *awfully* hard to get in these positions – none were forced into them.

      These warriors just happen to be women. They not only have worked extremely hard to earn our respect and support, they certainly deserve it outright for volunteering to do their chosen job. I’ll be damned if I would deny these warriors their chance to do the job they have trained for!

      Unleash hell on those barbaric ****** dogs, ladies!!

      Report Post »  
  • Smurf
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:30pm

    This will be sure to get the Mysogynistic Mosqueteers to shred their Taliban mandresses!

    Report Post »  
  • UpstateNYConservative
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:27pm

    Yeah, right.

    And if one of these crews is shot down over an Islamist country, and out pilots are raped, the Left will scream it‘s Bush’s fault.

    Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • Venom
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:11pm

      Do you think men don’t get raped?

      Report Post » Venom  
    • dmgs
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:43pm

      Beat me to it, Venom. First heard about their favorite passtime during the war with Russia.

      Report Post »  
  • LifeProject2012
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:25pm

    OK, I get it…. the “blank” photo… It’s an all-white crew, right?

    Report Post »  
  • Its Gonna Getcha
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:23pm

    All the young dudettes, carry the news!

    Report Post » Its Gonna Getcha  
  • GhostOfJefferson
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:22pm

    A nation that bases its military on female participation is a nation that will be extinct when it faces its first line of catastrophic challenges on the battlefield. Reproductively and socially, men are expendable, women are not, that’s simple biology, and should be respected militarily but of course, in the age of Wonder Woman and the Wimp, are not.

    It’s a strange day we live in when women are celebrated as “warriors”, who bomb nations that don’t even have a Piper Cub of Cessna C-150 to their name. I remember how Americans used to think that the Soviets employing women on the front lines was barbaric.

    Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:00pm

      Yes, of course, thank you for bringing me back into the proper correct-think veld with your kind and instructive words, comrade.

      The countless millions of men who have actually died on the battlefield, borne injuries such as losing entire limbs, had their brains blown out, lost their innards inside of flights suits in *real* aerial combat where an actual enemy could and did strike back, who in history ran across fields en masse to confront archers and men with long halberds which were wrenched into their chests, who endured days, months even years and decades being tortured in ways of pain unknown to any but the least fortunate in history, well, they’re weak. Much stronger are those who dilate naturally to allow the passage of a baby through a birth canal that is naturally fitted to accommodate such a passage without generally sustaining any damage.

      I’ll get back on the wagon, I swear comrade. Just pass me some Victory Gin if you’d be a good lad.

      We’ve come a long way, baby.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • 1chancey1
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:08pm

      GHOSTOFJEFFERSON – That was the most stupid thing I’ve read today. Kudos.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:16pm

      @Chancey

      “the most stupid thing”

      I think you meant “stupidest”.

      You’re entitled to your opinion. Reality doesn’t care about opinions of course. Wipe out a lot of the females in a society in a protracted engagement where they too are combatants and the society dies for lack of a viable way to reproduce. Wipe out most of the men and the society can continue. Ask Australia about the latter.

      Simple fact.

      Hope your day improves.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • 1chancey1
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 3:25pm

      And you’re entitled to your far fetched opinion as well. Thanks for caring.

      Report Post »  
    • corbecket
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 3:28pm

      Ghost!

      You’re going Darwinian on us! Frankly, there is no danger that the the US population will be decimated based on women serving in combat positions. Sure, if you had a really HUGE war involving the full population (male and female) there might might be a reduction in the population. However, your “reality” also needs to make room for the fact that the percentage of true warriors in the entire population is really small even with two+ wars going on, and that applies to the male population as well. As to the female population, it’ll be significantly lower.

      I‘m wondering whether you’re feeling a little threatened by mere symbolism. If these gals wanna’ blow around in F-15′s, more power to them. Their mere presence in the cockpit is not going to deplete the US population. After all, animal/human populations fluctuate up and down all of the time. If you’ve had access to the current US population figures, it hasn’t threatened the survival of our species.

      As a career “cockpit practitioner”, I can attest that the flight deck is a good deal more civilized with a mix of gals. Of late, it’s very much a merit based position. They don’t get there based on their chromosome ratio. With few exceptions, they’ve earned the position. If they wanna’ play in the boys sandbox, they can play by the boy’s rules. They do. There’s your reality.

      No one should expect it to be all home and hearth, when they’re embedded in weather at 4 am burning down to minimum holding fuel. If a gal can handle it, more power to her. I don’t know what your specific qualifications are in this matter, but most folks that “have been there” judge pilots based on their qualifications and accept the “reality” that they are mature enough to assume the risks and rewards of following their profession. You’re welcome to your opinion, of course. :-)

      Report Post » corbecket  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 4:19pm

      Ghost! Bring back the Draft! Make everybody respectful of Military Duty – not just these 1% volunteers!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • Edgar Bennet
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 5:01pm

      Ur my fav poster. Plz elaborate on any view you have. PC be damned

      Report Post » Edgar Bennet  
    • Soldiers_Son
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 5:31pm

      @GHOSTOFJEFFERSON,

      When it comes right down to it, I agree with you that women should not be on the front lines or in a combat situation. Men and women are different, yes it is true, and as such are better suited to different roles. And the roles, while not the same are very much equal in almost every way. Men and women were meant to compliment each other, not be in competition with each other, which is why some things are suited for one over the other (even though both could do either). The problem is that the progressives and the media have shamed women into thinking that being a woman means they wear pants and storm citadels instead of nurturing and raising children, comforting the sick and afflicted, and providing stability and support in a world where all of those things are fading into a memory and dream. What can be more important than having and raising valiant children who love God, country and all people? We need more women who understand what it means to be a woman instead a woman trying to be a man.

      But with that said, I will tip my hat to ANYONE who will volunteer to put their life on the line to protect this great country. Man or woman, you have my respect and everlasting gratitude. Thank you for your service!

      Report Post »  
  • jblovesAmerica
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:22pm

    and if shot down-then what?
    on the ground in the air on the ship-is great until???
    war is hell folks-history will then tell the story/

    Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Well, here’s how it goes.

      When they’re not shot up, they are Emancipated Participants in the Motherland’s Glorious Military Of the People.

      When they’re shot up, we get to hear months of whining, droning sympathy stories, tears on television and “inspirational” clap trap about how they survived (with no such claptrap of course being present for men).

      It’s barbaric.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • duckwalker
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:28pm

      What happens next? They get beaten, raped, tourtured, and possibly killed. Welcome to the military. They volunteered and are well aware of what waits for them if they go down. With the exception of rape, what do you think might happen to a male pilot?

      Report Post »  
    • Rickfromillinois
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:31pm

      What do you think happens to male pilots who are captured by the taliban? It would be a long and painful death for either one of them.

      Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
    • valricoslash
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:58pm

      When i entered active duty as a youn g lieutenant in 1972, all the females were in a singel squadron (WAFs) on each base. Then the the PC crowd dook over. First, they were intergrated into the other squadrons and the WAF squadrons ere disbanded. Within a couple fo years they were integrated into the aircraft maintenace function and then after some whining byu female congresswomen, they were allowed into flight school. On a limited basis at first. They needed a poster child before going full bore. Then they were allowed to train for fighter aircraft becuase promotion to the higher ranks required one to be a combat veteran and fighter juets are made for combat. However, they were not allowed in combat at first. And now after nearly 40 years, they are back to having an all female squadron. I guess what goes around comes around. LOL. as a rtired veteran, I do not doubt their skills, or their patriotism for without either they would not be givent he opportunity. I do question the PC and affirmaitve action programs that have given females certain advantages over their male collegues throughout the years to get to this point. And I agree that should one be shot down and captured the whining from the liberal left and the media attention will be non-stop, just like it was when the young lady was captured in Iraq, while driving supplies to the front lines during the early stages of that conflict.

      Report Post » valricoslash  
    • DonkRoberts
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 4:46pm

      In case you folks forget, males get raped by those dogs, too.

      Report Post » DonkRoberts  
  • red_white_blue2
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:20pm

    Good for them. And just imagine those Muslims and how they feel about women..let alone the fact that they bombed them..Keep up the good work, and God Bless you ladies!

    Report Post » red_white_blue2  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:18pm

    I ain‘t wearing no stinkin’ garb!

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:18pm

    God bless them. Hope and pray none ever get shot down over a Muslim nation!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • greggor
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:29pm

      They better have a hijab just in case they do get shot down. It should be standard survivor equipment.
      (yes.. I am being sarcastic)

      Report Post »  
    • Revere1
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:34pm

      A bunch of women bombing terrorists? Now that’s some feminism I can get behind. The left hates it of course: http://www.battlefield315.com/2011/02/feminism-explained.html Left-wing feminists only care about political power, not empowering women.

      Report Post » Revere1  
    • gramma b
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:42pm

      That will really drive the Taliban crazy. I hope we drop leaflets along with the bombs, informing them of this fact. I think the Israeli army took women off the front lines, because they discovered that the Muslim men would continue to fight rather than surrendering to a woman. They were otherwise pretty quick to surrender.

      Report Post »  
    • KenM
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:58pm

      God help them and protect them should they get shot down and delivered to some Islamic nut job crowd. I’m all for women doing the hard work right along the men in our military but in the middle east its not a pretty place for a woman to be taken captive.

      Report Post »  
    • marine249
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 12:59pm

      Semper Fi ladies

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:00pm

      Much respect for their willingness – and I would gladly buy these ladies a drink …

      But it’s very shameful that we have women doing this. It‘s not a woman’s role. I want women out of our military, now.

      If we want our men to be men, and our women to be women, we need to stop this craziness.

       
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:18pm

      It would be unreasonably harsh to say something insulting about these aircrews, no matter what one’s politics are. These are true patriots. You won’t find them whining while they carry out their duties! (big Group Hug)

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Being female or male makes no difference when captured by these animals. The have no idea where Geneva even is much less the conventions. It is not unusual for these God-forsaken excuses for people to skin captured prisoners. So you go girls, the world will not be a safe place to live until all of these bugs are exterminated and the only place Islam is practiced is in Hell.

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Lather up the ordnance with bacon grease before pickling their weapons, please.

      Report Post »  
    • Tulsatime
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:18pm

      One word… COOL!!!

      Report Post » Tulsatime  
    • shazam3
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:45pm

      “smokem if ya got em” ladies…….

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:50pm

      …………
      You go girl!
      I just have one question?
      How does she hold her cell phone under the helmet?

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • TabB
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 2:55pm

      Now if we could just teach “pigs” to fly! That would really put a knot in their skirts.

      Report Post »  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 4:26pm

      The safest place for a woman in combat in Afghanistan is at 3000 feet.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 4:36pm

      They are woman – Here them roar (or explode or something).

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • TERMLIMITSNOW
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 6:11pm

      looks like they suffered a direct hit from an ugly missile

      TERMLIMITSNOW  
    • JustaThought
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 6:17pm

      Love the Dudettes and love what their job is even more. How appropriate for them to bomb the hell out of a bunch of women abusers. Women who would be stoned in their countries bombing them back to the Stone Age.

      Report Post »  
    • bert2020
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 6:22pm

      My mother saws a WAC. This was before the WAF’s. Shrews a mechanic, stll is actually. She was told to go into a part of the plain only a 5′2″ 90lb woman could reachh and tighten the bolts. When she asked how tight he wanted the bolts. He smaller at her saying don’t worry about that homey. When she produced the broken bolt because she had tightened it to hard she said was that to hard. When given the choice as to whether she wanted to fly in a plane she worked on s,he never hesitated to choose hers. She went back to being a farmer after the war and was better than my father at fixing the family cars and farm equipment.

      We have had women in the military get captured in a combat zone in many of our wars and they are brave courageous patriots

      Report Post »  
    • jblaze
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 7:33pm

      That will send the Taliban into orbit! Women dropping bombs on them is the ultamate insult! Go girls!

      Report Post » jblaze  
    • Nick697
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 8:03pm

      If they are shot down and captured by the Taliban, will God have given your prayer the back of his hand?

      Report Post »  
    • kengosnell1
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 8:11pm

      what is this world coming to when we turn our our women into killers?

      Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 8:50pm

      @kengosnell1
      Sorry guys, you need to go to Judges and read about Deborah.
      Judges 4:4 ¶ And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.
      Judges 4:8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go (to war): but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.
      Ladies have been going to war a long time :-)

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • Blazer334
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 10:44pm

      Our rescue guys would get in there extra fast to pick ‘em up and bring ’em home….so they can do it to the female abusing Taliban again. Go get ‘em gals.

      Report Post » Blazer334  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 11:01pm

      Ladies, Thank you for your service to OUR Country….GO USA!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Anti_Spock
      Posted on April 5, 2011 at 12:18am

      Obviously this squadron isn’t BLACK enough. And isn’t MALE enough. And where are the Mexicans?

      Report Post » Anti_Spock  
    • Jungle George
      Posted on April 5, 2011 at 1:54am

      Women have fought since the beginning of our country, Sarah Hartwell Shattuck of Pepperell formed a milita to protect their town on April 19, 1775 when the men went off to
      Concord. They captured a Tory officer Capt. Leonard Whiting with imprortant documents on him. They were armed with what muskets were left and pitchforks. It is only politics that have kept them out of the continuing fight for freedom in our recent history.
      “ United we stand divided we fall” Way to go girls!!

      Jungle George
      RWVA Instructor

      Report Post » Jungle George  
    • Seabee79
      Posted on April 5, 2011 at 7:11am

      Actually that’s a great idea, if not hurt dress like Muslim women and blend in.

      Report Post » Seabee79  

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