Austin Cornay

Evaluator and Instructor Pilot on a modified Lockheed C-130J, conducting operations in complex international environments including low-level flight, night vision operations, and aerial refueling. Chief Pilot overseeing 30 operational pilots; responsible for crew scheduling, standardization, and operational control of six aircraft supporting uninterrupted worldwide alert commitments.

Wing Safety Officer responsible for flight safety, wildlife hazard mitigation, midair collision avoidance, and mishap response programs across five aircraft types supporting ten operational squadrons. Led flight safety inspections, conducted no-notice line checks, and delivered Crew Resource Management (CRM) training to 80 aircrew, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, risk management standards, and operational best practices.

Managed daily flight training, scheduling, and readiness for a 110-member organization, emphasizing operational safety, standardization, and risk management. Executed a presidentially directed, time-critical deployment in support of Central Command operations, safely evacuating senior embassy personnel from a high-threat environment.

Attended the highly demanding MC-130J Pilot Special Operations Transition Course, mastering a rigorous syllabus including airdrop operations, receiver air-to-air refueling, and low-level formation flying, demonstrating advanced tactical proficiency, precision, and crew coordination.

Completed Aircraft Commander upgrade training and progressed as a trusted Aircraft Commander within a specialized C-130 community, leading a 40 member flight organization. Deployed to Al Udeid Air Base and hand-selected to command a high-priority evacuation mission, executing the first MC-130H operation to safely transport allied Afghan Special Forces members and their families.

Managed a 2,000-hour annual flight program supporting 130 aircrew while maintaining 100% currency and deployment readiness for global rapid-response operations Deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, conducting critical cargo and supply transport across multiple regions to sustain continuous mission operations and operational readiness.