Captain Mary Cameron-Kelly was born in North Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1962.  Upon graduating from High School, she enrolled in the military as an Airframe Technician, receiving the Commandant Shield as the best recruit in the platoon during recruit training.  On-job training was conducted at CFB Winnipeg for two months followed by the airframe course. 

Her first posting was to CFB Greenwood where she obtained her Private Pilot Licence and, in 1985, participated in the Webster Competition, placing 2nd for Best Amateur Pilot in Canada.  She became the first female technical instructor in 404 (MP&T) Squadron in 1986, and in 1988 applied and was accepted for pilot training with the Canadian Forces.  Upon graduation in 1991, Mary returned to CFB Greenwood and, after training at the 404 (MP&T) Squadron OTU, became the first female Aurora pilot in the Canadian Forces.  She was then posted to 405 (MP) Squadron.  Three years later, Mary qualified as an Aircraft Commander on the Aurora and, in 1995, she became the world’s first female Maritime Patrol Crew Commander.  Posted back to 404 (MP&T) Squadron that year, she became the first female pilot instructor on the Aurora and instructed for the following five years.  On completion of the Instrument Check Pilot course, she was posted back to a crew on 405 (MP) Squadron in August 2001 where she completed the Pilot Training and Standards course prior to assuming new duties in Standards and Training.  In May 2003, she flew to the Arabian Gulf and participated in Operation Apollo in the fight against terrorism.  On termination of that operation, her crew flew the last Aurora home.

On November 22, 2007, Captain Mary Cameron-Kelly, then serving with 404 (MP&T) Squadron, was honoured at the 18th Annual Progress Women of Excellence Awards that was held in Halifax.  The event celebrated the achievements and accomplishments of sixteen Nova Scotian women who have made a significant impact in their community and profession.  Captain Mary Cameron-Kelly was a most deserving recipient of this recognition as she had at that time served with distinction for 26 years in the Air Force as well as being involved in the community through her dedication with the Air Cadets, Girl Guides and Greenwood Minor Hockey.

On January 30, 2008, Captain Cameron-Kelly achieved yet another milestone when she succeeded in attaining 5,000 flying hours in the Aurora during a surveillance patrol flight over the Atlantic Ocean.  On July 15, 2018, on the anniversary of her joining the military, a Mary Cameron-Kelly commemorative stamp was issued at Greenwood.

As of January 2019, Captain Cameron-Kelly was still serving at 14 Wing Greenwood as a Check Pilot with 404 (MP&T) Squadron and has amassed over 7,000 flying hours in the Aurora.  She is most definitely a maritime aviator of note.