At the core of nuclear deterrence

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MONT. --  To serve in the United States Air Force is a decision only one percent of the population has taken the oath to do.

Senior Airman Jennifer Cook, 341st Munitions Squadron nuclear weapons technician, made the choice just over three years ago to better herself and serve her country.

Cook is from Portland, Oregon, and grew up with four older brothers. She was the only one to decide to serve in the Air Force, Cook said.

Her decision to serve came from wanting something different.

"It was spontaneous but I wanted to travel the world and finish my college degree," said Cook.

Cook is a team chief and is responsible for following step-by-step instructions for maintenance on nuclear weapons sent to the missile field and takes responsibility for getting it done.

"As a team chief you get to take pride in finishing the weapons," said Cook. "That weapon is complete and is going out to the field because I took control of that weapon."

Her role is critical in Malmstrom's daily operations of nuclear deterrence and keeping the nation safe with effective nuclear forces.

Cook said she has a lot of pride being a part of her unit because of the phenomenal job they do of keeping their standards high and being the best nuclear weapons maintenance there is.

"My leadership has set me up for success in a lot of ways I never thought possible," said Cook.

Aside from working as a full-time Airman, Cook completed her bachelor's degree and is currently working on her master's. She said it was difficult because of her job being stressful and time consuming but she wanted to get it done.

Furthering her education reflects the priorities in training and educating professional Airmen and being fit to fight as a reliable leader.