Bitchin’ Betty Says Goodbye: The Voice of the F-18 Retires

The voice of every F-18 jet signs off after a career of ‘yelling’ at pilots.

Those who have flown and will continue to fly the F-18 Super Hornet have heard “the voice” when a warning light wasn’t enough. The sound of “Bitchin’ Betty” imploring a maneuver – NOW – has helped many a flight crew avoid disaster.

Bitchin’ Betty Squawked In Every Pilot’s Ear

Leslie Shook, the woman behind the voice, is retiring, but she’s happy that her legacy lives on in F-18 cockpits. And she’s proud that the nickname given to her voice is one of affection and respect.

Longtime McDonnell Douglas and Boeing Employee

Leslie Shook was a longtime employee and McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Her voice is featured not only on the F/A-18 Hornet but also in the cockpit of other products like the C-17 Globemaster III. Her work has saved many lives. This video may inspire pilots and aircrew to say, “it’s good to put a face to a voice.” Blue skies Leslie! Enjoy your well-earned retirement.

Wendell Barnhouse
Wendell Barnhouse
Wendell Barnhouse is a veteran journalist with over 40 years of experience as a writer and an editor. For the last 30 years, he wrote about college sports but he has had an interest and curiosity about aviation since he was in grade school.

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