Episode 92: The Double X: Women of Aviation Worldwide Week and flying the CC-130J Hercules Part 2 - Sam Behm

About this episode

Major Sam Behm discusses her experiences as a female pilot in the RCAF and her leadership during a critical evacuation mission.

In Part 2 of this series, Major Sam Behm shares what it was like to command the first Canadian CC-130J Hercules mission tasked with evacuating personnel during the 2021 Kabul Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation. She reflects on preparing her crew, making decisions under pressure, and leading in an environment defined by uncertainty and risk. Sam also speaks candidly about serving as the only female Hercules pilot in the RCAF for several years, the importance of mentorship through Elevate Aviation, and why International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Worldwide Week matter in today’s military. A conversation about command, courage, and representation in operational airlift.

People in this episode

Host: Bryan Morrison

Guest: Major Sam Behm

Topics covered

• women in aviation
• military leadership
• evacuation operations
• mentorship
• representation
• command under pressure

Keywords

• CC-130J Hercules
• Kabul evacuation
• women in military
• leadership
• mentorship
• aviation
• International Women’s Day
• Women of Aviation Worldwide Week

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Elevate Aviation, RCAF

Products: CC-130J Hercules

Places: Kabul

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