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January 9, 2023

Captain Chris Hunt: Serving Our Country and Our Passengers

Meet DCA-based PSA Captain Chris Hunt, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.). Read below for his story featured in American Way Magazine. Thank you for your service, Chris!

“There are three holidays that are particularly special to members of the U.S. military and their loved ones: Armed Forces Day, to support those currently serving; Memorial Day, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and Veterans Day, to appreciate those whose past service ensured our freedom.

I’ve had a front row seat to what service looks like since I was a child. Four of my grandmother’s five brothers served during World War II in the European and Pacific theaters. At age six, I attended an air show that left me in awe as dozens of planes and hundreds of Army Paratroopers — including my father — littered the sky. It was a massive display of power and precision.
My first flight came at the age of 15 at the controls of a Cessna 172, and I joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school. But flying for the Marines requires you to be a commissioned officer, so I took classes every chance I could, served in the infantry and deployed twice across the Pacific.

I eventually became a pilot on the AH-1W Cobra, the Marines’ attack helicopter. Four deployments to Iraq later, I was accepted into Marine Helicopter Squadron One, the team responsible for transporting the President of the United States. I had the honor of flying George W. Bush during the last two years of his term and Barack Obama during the first three years of his. In fact, I was the co-pilot for his first flight on that aircraft, known as Marine One when the president is on board.

After a final deployment to Afghanistan and 26 years of military service, I decided to retire. But, I wasn’t done flying. I now serve you as a Captain for PSA Airlines, one of the wholly owned carriers that operates as American Eagle. My goal is to fly for American so you can join me at some of the amazing sites I’ve seen around the world.

As we honor our veterans this month, I’m privileged to share my story and grateful I have one to tell. But more importantly, I hope you’ll remember those who defended our nation and the world without the notoriety, those who continue to serve you in their post-military lives and especially those who might benefit from your service in their time of need. On behalf of American and my more than 130,000 colleagues — thousands of them veterans themselves — thank you for flying with us today.” – Chris Hunt, American Way Magazine