Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base -- U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Cook is the Operations Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for the 151st Logistic Readiness Squadron Air Transportation flight. His flight ensures the Air Force’s ability to rapidly deploy personnel and cargo all over the world. In this position Cook is able to operate aircraft loading equipment, along with being certified as a Hazardous Materials Inspector, Joint Inspector and aircraft Load Planner.
MSgt Cook joined the Utah Air National Guard a little later in life than most, turning 26 while at basic training. He joined because he truly wanted to deploy and wanted to serve his country. He continues to serve because he feels that being in the military is his life's calling. This is not just a job or a career, but something that MSgt Cook was meant to do.
He started his career as an Air Transportation Specialist, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Then cross trained into the Traffic Management Office, which manages all military and commercial transportation of personnel, material, and property around the world. Cook then cross trained again into the Logistics Planning career field, where he managed the preparation of battle space, readying, positioning, employing, sustaining, and recovering Air Force personnel and assets. This provided him with a great understanding of the operational and strategic levels that the Air Force operates within.
Even with all of the experience, MSgt Cook still had a goal that had been with him since the beginning of his career, to one day become a Military Training Instructor, which he accomplished after only eight years in service. This is where he truly developed as a leader in the military. Cook had the opportunity to impact the lives of more than 35 thousand Airmen and Guardians each year.
“I led flights as a Line Instructor before being selected to be a Military Training Instructor Trainer. This allowed me to develop, not only, Airmen but also my fellow Noncommissioned and Senior Noncommissioned Officers,” said MSgt Cook. “I also earned the title of Master Military Training Instructor ‘Blue Rope’, a subject matter expert in all things related to training, development, and proficiency as a Military Training Instructor.”
Following his time in that position he was selected to be the 321st Training Squadron's Operations Superintendent. While in this role he managed the daily operations of all MTIs, along with the evaluations for all flights assigned to the squadron on a daily basis.
“The Air Force has given me the ability to coordinate exercises, inspections, and deployments for not only the Air Force but also for our joint partners,” said MSgt Cook. “The Air Force has provided me with so many phenomenal opportunities to grow personally and professionally, that I feel that service to those I have an opportunity to lead now is my way of repaying the Air Force.”
MSgt goes on to say “The Air National Guard is the Air Force’s best kept secret… but it cannot be kept a secret any longer. At the end of the day, the many opportunities that the Air Force has afforded me has led to my ability to operate as a Multi-capable Airmen.”