Fat Albert Pilot, Major Katie Higgins Cook (2015 - 2016)
Marine Corps aviator and veteran of Afghanistan, Major Katie Higgins Cook is the first female pilot to fly with the famed Blue Angels.
In this episode of the Blue Angel Phantoms Podcast, Major Cook discusses her family's incredible legacy in military aviation and the impact that it had during the course of her childhood and her decision to pursue a career as a Marine Corps aviator. She also shares insights into how she selected the C-130 Hercules as her platform of choice before being deployed oversees to Afghanistan and Uganda.
Major Cook goes on to share a story about a combat mission she executed while in Afghanistan that she now refers to one of the proudest moments in her career as a Marine.
She also details her time on the Blue Angels, including the training program, her favorite demo maneuvers, and the tragic loss of her teammate and friend, Captain Jeff Kuss.
Before signing off, Major Cook provides a brief update on her current career focus.