by Ricky Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) – A 2003
Christian Brothers High School graduate
and Memphis, Tennessee native is playing a key role in the lengthy and rigorous
training process that transforms U.S. Navy officers into Navy pilots.
Lt. Lee Cook is an instructor
pilot with the “Wise Owls” Training Squadron (VT-31), based in Corpus,
Christi, Texas, that operates the T-44A Pegasus aircraft. As an instructor, Cook
is responsible for training students how to fly
multi-engine aircrafts. He is also part of a team of consummate professionals
that teach young men and women how to be both officers and leaders.
“Being a pilot has given me an
incredible opportunity to train and teach students to become the world's best
multi-engine aviators in the Navy,” said Cook.
The T-44A is a twin-engine,
pressurized, fixed-wing monoplane used for advanced turboprop radar aircraft
training using two 550 shaft horsepowered engines, with a cruising
airspeed of 281 mph.
VT-31’s primary mission is to train future
naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy
officials explained. Students must complete four phases of flight training
in order to graduate, including aviation pre-flight indoctrination, primary
flight training, and advanced flight training. After successfully completing
the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how
to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter
jet, the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
They are later assigned to a ship or land-based squadron.
Many of the pilots will fly aircraft which take off from and
land aboard aircraft carriers, a unique capability which allows the Navy to
operate anywhere on the world’s oceans. Recently, Navy attack aircraft
operating from aircraft carriers sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and
from Middle East waters have launched hundreds of strike missions against
terrorist targets in Iraq and Syria.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s squadrons with the
newest aircraft platforms, Cook said he and other VT-31 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“It’s an honor and pleasure to
work with so many professionals here at VT-31,” said Cook. “This squadron is
unique because all of the instructors personally chose to be here. "We
have a great sense of pride teaching the students to be the best they can be as
an officer, leader and naval aviator.”
Jobs are highly varied at VT-31, according to Navy officials.
Approximately 69 men and women officers
and 15 civilian employees make up and keep all parts of the squadron running
smoothly -- this includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to
processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.
“Every day I feel an extraordinary amount of
pride to serve alongside our great Nation’s most inspiring men and women,” said
Cmdr. Samuel D. Gage, commanding officer of VT-31. “Our team is filled with
hardworking and highly qualified professionals who hold uncommon levels of
responsibility and accountability in support of our mission: to maintain, fly,
and train future naval aviators. Their work ethic, commitment, enthusiasm, and
esprit de corps are second to none!"
Serving in the Navy, Cook
is learning about being a more responsible leader, Sailor and person through
handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has not only
instilled in me self-discipline and a strong work ethic but it’s given me a true
appreciation and dedication in serving my country,” said Cook.