Leadership, Learning, and Service in Defence and Aviation: Major Catherine Cabot, CD

Major Catherine Cabot, CD, exemplifies the values of professional excellence, service, and lifelong learning that define our alumni community. An Aerospace Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Major Cabot is currently a student on the Joint Command and Staff Programme at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, where she is completing a Master of Defence Studies. Major Cabot was recently named one of the Esprit de Corps Military Magazines 2026 – Breaking Down the Barricades Top Women in Defence.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Major Cabot approached military service not simply as a tradition, but as a profession requiring continuous learning, adaptability, and accountability. She joined the Canadian Armed Forces shortly after university, deliberately seeking varied postings and leadership roles rather than a narrowly defined career path. This approach allowed her to develop a reputation for reliability and versatility while building expertise through experience.

One of her most significant leadership roles was serving as Deputy Commanding Officer of 3 Air Maintenance Squadron at CFB Bagotville. In this position, Major Cabot oversaw more than 150 personnel responsible for maintaining CF‑18 airworthiness during periods of personnel shortages and fleet aging pressures. Her leadership directly supported Canada’s NORAD and NATO commitments and required balancing technical risk, operational readiness, and personnel well‑being. These responsibilities reinforced her emphasis on practical leadership rooted in trust, competence, and accountability rather than positional authority alone.

Major Cabot has also served in highly visible national roles, including a two‑year appointment as Senior Aide‑de‑camp to the Governor General of Canada. In that capacity, she supported national ceremonies and engagements focused on mental health and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. She further served as Equerry to His Majesty King Charles III during his visit to Canada for the Speech from the Throne, highlighting the intersection of military professionalism and Canada’s national institutions.

Operational service has played a defining role in shaping Major Cabot’s leadership philosophy. During Operation REASSURANCE in Romania in 2022, she partnered with a local organization working to prevent child trafficking, mentoring young girls and serving as a visible example of women in military leadership roles. This experience reinforced her belief that operational deployments influence communities well beyond their immediate military objectives.

A committed advocate for gender equity, Major Cabot has volunteered extensively in mentorship and advisory roles. She has co‑chaired the local Defence Women’s Advisory Organization, served as a Gender Advisor, and contributed to multiple mentorship initiatives. Looking ahead to 2026, she serves as the military co‑founder on the board of the newly formalized not‑for‑profit Canadian Women in Aviation organization. In this volunteer capacity, she is helping prepare the organization’s Montreal conference scheduled for May 11–14, 2026, continuing her commitment to encouraging women to pursue careers in both military and civilian aviation.

Major Cabot’s career reflects a consistent focus on leadership through preparation, participation, and service. As a current student at the Canadian Forces College and a leader within the Canadian Armed Forces, she continues to model how professional excellence, volunteer service, and inclusive leadership can shape both institutions and communities.