NBAA recently marked the passing of its former vice president of operations and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Robert Cooke, who died on March 10 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Cooke served with NBAA from 1973 to 1987, providing analysis and representing members on flight safety issues and federal aviation regulations.

Born in Schenectady, New York, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952 and became a naval aviator and navigator of the attack aircraft carrier USS Constellation in 1970 to 1971. After retiring from the Navy, he joined NBAA, where he worked on safety issues with the FAA, lawmakers, airport management organizations, and other entities on behalf of members. Cooke concluded his career as a consultant to the Flight Safety Foundation.

A commercial pilot, he was involved with a number of organizations, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), National Aeronautic Association, Washington Aero Club, and U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children Meredith McCollum, Robin Wilson, and Robert Cooke Jr.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.