Donnie Cochran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donnie L. Cochran
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Official Navy photo of Commander Donnie Cochran, USN
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| Born | July 6, 1954 Pelham, Georgia, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1976–2000 |
| Rank | Captain (retired) |
Donnie L. Cochran is a retired United States Navy pilot. He made history as the first African-American aviator chosen for the famous Blue Angels flight team in 1986. Later, in 1994, Cochran became the leader of the Blue Angels. He was also honored in 2022 by being added to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.
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Donnie L. Cochran was born on July 6, 1954, in Pelham, Georgia. He grew up on a farm. In June 1976, he graduated from Savannah State College. He earned a degree in civil engineering technology. At the same time, he joined the United States Navy as an officer.
Cochran finished flight school in 1978. He earned his Navy “Wings of Gold.” This means he was officially a Navy pilot. He first trained in the T-2C Buckeye and later in the TA-4J Skyhawk jets. Because he was so good at landing on aircraft carriers, he was chosen to fly the RF-8G Crusader.
His first assignment was with a squadron called VFP-63. They were based in San Diego, California. He flew the RF-8G on his first trip overseas. This trip was on the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. During this time, the Iran Hostage Crisis happened. The USS Nimitz had to change course to the Indian Ocean. Captain Cochran's squadron was moved to the USS Coral Sea (CV-43). By the end of this nine-month trip, he had traveled around the world.
Flying the F-14 Tomcat
After flying the Crusader, the Navy started using the F-14A Tomcat for photo missions. So, Cochran learned to fly the F-14A. His next job was with the Blacklions of Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213). He went on two more trips on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). These trips were to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. By the time he finished with VF-213, he had flown over 2,000 hours. He also made 469 landings on aircraft carriers. His next role was teaching other pilots at VF-124.
Joining the Blue Angels Flight Team
In 1985, Captain Cochran applied to be a Blue Angels pilot. He was chosen and made history. He became the first African-American pilot to fly with the Blue Angels. He flew with them for three seasons: 1986, 1987, and 1988.
Flying the A-4F and F/A-18
In 1986, Captain Cochran flew the number 3 jet, which was an A-4F Skyhawk. In January 1986, the Blue Angels announced a big change. They would switch from the A-4F to the F/A-18 Hornet. To make sure the team was safe during this change, the main four pilots stayed in their positions for an extra year. This meant Captain Cochran flew the number 3 jet again in 1987. In 1988, he moved to the number 4 jet as the slot pilot. During his three years with the Blue Angels, Captain Cochran flew over 1,500 hours. He also performed in more than 240 airshows.
After his time with the Blue Angels, Captain Cochran went back to regular Navy duties. He worked as a maintenance officer for the Bounty Hunters of VF-2. He went on one trip on the USS Ranger (CV-61).
Leading a Squadron
Next, Captain Cochran was chosen to lead an F-14 squadron. He attended the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. There, he earned a diploma in International Security. He also got a master's degree in Human Resource Management from Troy State University. After college, he became the executive officer (XO) of Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) Wolfpack.
His squadron went on a trip to the Persian Gulf on the USS Ranger. They flew missions over Southern Iraq. They helped enforce the southern no-fly zone. Captain Cochran flew over 24 missions and earned an Air Medal. After 16 months as XO, he became the commanding officer (CO) of VF-1. He was the last commanding officer of VF-1 because the Navy decided to close the squadron. He then briefly served as XO for Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) Sundowners. Soon after, he became the CO of VF-111. During his time leading VF-111, the squadron won awards for being the best F-14 squadron in the United States Pacific Fleet.
Commanding the Blue Angels
In November 1994, Donnie Cochran made history again. He became the first African-American commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. A special ceremony was held at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
Cochran led the team for 16 months, until May 1996. In May 1996, he decided to step down as flight leader. He did this to keep the team and spectators safe. Cochran believes that good leadership means holding team members responsible. He says that when respect and honesty break down, performance suffers. Leaders must act when team members do not follow the rules or undermine authority.
After the Blue Angels
After leaving the Blue Angels, Cochran led the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC) at Florida A & M University. He helped train over 100 future Navy and United States Marine Corps officers. This was from August 1996 to July 1999.
His final job was as the deputy commander of the United States Navy Recruiting Command. He was second in command of over 7,000 people. They worked in more than 1,500 locations around the world. Captain Cochran retired from the U.S. Navy after more than 24 years of service. He had a lot of experience in leadership and aviation.
Honors and Recognition
On May 10, 1991, Savannah State University honored Cochran. They placed an A-4 jet on campus. It was painted in the Blue Angels' colors of blue and gold. A plaque was added to honor him as the first Black Naval Aviator to fly with the Blue Angels. Later, a second plaque was added. It honored him as the first Black Naval Aviator to command the Blue Angels.
In August 2015, Georgia's Governor Nathan Deal honored Donnie Cochran. The old Pelham's Detention Center was renamed the Donnie Cochran Community Complex. In December 2016, he was inducted into the Georgia Military Veteran Hall of Fame.
Education and Degrees
Donnie Cochran earned a civil engineering degree in 1976. He got it from Savannah State College, which is now Savannah State University. He was part of the NROTC program there. He also graduated from the Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama. He earned a master's degree in human resource management from Troy State University.
