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Interviewed by:
Bailey Smith and Christa Walsh
1990
2017
" ... everybody here wishes they were somewhere else, but, we were in it as a team ... "
~ Peter Cook (10:59)
Name:
Peter Cook
Date of Birth:
May 12,1962
Branch of Service:
US Air Force
Dates of Service:
1984 - 2005 (21 Years)
Location of Military Service:
California, Ohio, Illinois,
and Virginia
Residence at Time of Interview:
Wellfleet, MA
Peter Cook's Story:
“You know I had the chance to work with enlisted folks, large groups of enlisted folks, helping to lead them.” Peter Cook, engineer, leader, husband, father, friend. Mr. Cook grew up knowing many military members with in his family; they were some of the people who helped to support his choice to serve. After college he made the choice to be an engineer in the united States Air Force. Engineering called to him not only because he father was one, but because he liked the idea of the challenge of it.
Starting in 1984 Lieutenant Peter Cook began his service in the US Air Force. As an engineer Peter had the opportunity to work on some very influential military developments, which would later be the start of a whole new world of technology. He had the chance to work on the B2 Bomber, which is a large wing like plane that is ‘developed like a strategic bomber”. He also contributed to the making of Space Systems such as satellites and a number of different space missions. Opportunities like these brought Mr. Cook the chance to meet some very important people in the world like the US President and British Prime Minister. Along with contributing to these projects he led multiple groups of servicemen and prepared them for their future tasks while in the military.
While in the military Peter served in many different places, including, California, Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, and Washington D.C. at the Pentagon. Although he didn't have a favorite place, he said he did very much enjoy his time in the Mojave Desert in California doing a number of different test flights.
When Mr. Cook was asked if he could change anything that he did while in the service, his said he wouldn't change a thing. During a test flight program for the B2 Bomber he was helping to lead the team, and was a key asset in the success and development of the B2. Mr. Cook led multiple teams throughout his military career and also spent time supporting efforts of others. Although he was a great leader, he was also sent to perform tasks on his own.
Mr. Cook now resides in the town of Wellfleet MA. Where he had spent his summers as a kid, and where he has deep family roots.He feels very thankful for his time in the service and feels that as a result he is a better person because of it. Mr. Cook would encourage anyone thinking of joining the military to take the leap because there is real value in what they do, and that is the same advice he was given.
About the B2 Bomber
The B2 is the bomber that Mr. Cook's military experience was entirely dedicated to. He helped to develop this plane, which is now a baseline to many US Air Force air crafts.
Map of the Mojave Desert
This is where Mr. Cook's basic training took place before he was a lieutenant.
First Picture of a B2 Dropping a Bomb.
Originally, there was not going to be any pictures taken, but Mr. Cook personally convinced his his supierior that his was something that they would want to remember. It is because of his efforts that the image exists.
Picture of B2 Taking off
This is a picture that Mr. Cook and his friend took while in service. There are only two physical copies in the world; the one Mr. Cook has, and the one that his friend has.
News Article the Day After First Flight
The article was sent out by the Los Angeles Times, letting the whole country know that the model that Mr. Cook put his entire military experience to was finally taking off, starting a whole new world of military design and technology.
Peter's Hat Before He was a Lieutenant
This is a momentum that is deeply valued by Mr. Cook, he wore this everyday before he was promoted to a lieutenant.
B2 Bombs Being Loaded
Mr. Cook has this image of the B2's bombs being loaded onto a truck that will take them to the B2 Bomber.
B2 Bomber and Plane
This comparison of the Bomber and a normal plane show just how large the design of the B2 was. This is one of the most graphic images Mr. Cook has of the Bomber from his military time.
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