Note: Only forum leaders may delete posts.
*HTML is ON *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
[b]General Kevin P. Chilton to receive 25th National Space Trophy[/b] The Board of Advisors of the Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation has selected the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and former Space Shuttle astronaut, General Kevin P. Chilton (USAF), to receive the 2011 National Space Trophy. "General Chilton, as an Air Force commander and a former astronaut, is being recognized for his leadership in both our civilian and military space programs," Rodolfo González, President of the RNASA Foundation, said. Since 2007, General Chilton has been in command of the United States Strategic Command based at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In this position, he is responsible for the global command and control of U.S. strategic forces to meet decisive national security objectives. Prior to his current position, Chilton, served on the Air Force Space Command Staff, the Air Staff, the Joint Staff, and commanded the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, 8th Air Force, Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike, and Air Force Space Command. A veteran of three shuttle flights, Chilton flew as pilot on the maiden flight of Endeavour on STS-49 in 1992, and as pilot of STS-59, the Space Radar Laboratory mission in 1994. He commanded STS-76, the third docking mission to the Russian Space Station Mir in 1996. He then served as deputy program manager of operations for the International Space Station before leaving NASA in 1998. Born in Los Angeles, California, Chilton, age 56, is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Pilot Training and Test Pilot Schools and holds a BS in engineering science from the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and an MS in mechanical engineering from Columbia University of New York, NY. He flew operational assignments in the RF-4C and F-15 and weapons testing in the F-4 and F-15 prior to his selection as an astronaut in 1987. Former Astronaut and current Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of United Space Alliance, Daniel Brandenstein, said in nominating Chilton that "he has demonstrated a combination of strong leadership and exceptional intelligence rarely found in one individual. Through his commitment and on-going advocacy for all types of strategic space pursuits, General Chilton has continually demonstrated a devotion to duty, honor and country that more than qualifies him to join the ranks of those honored with the National Space Trophy." Chilton has been recognized with numerous awards including the Liethen-Tittle Award as top graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School Class 84A; the Distinguished Service with an oak leaf cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal, three NASA Space Flight Medals, a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. He is also a Guggenheim Fellow. Upon the announcement of Chilton's upcoming retirement from the Air Force in March, Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Ranking Member Michael Turner (R-Ohio) said, "General Chilton's efforts have brought greater focus on our nation's strategic forces, scientific and technical workforce, and industrial base. His candor and expertise were greatly appreciated by this committee, and he will be missed." Chilton currently resides with his wife Cathy, a Brig. General in the USAF Reserves, in Omaha, Nebraska. They have four children. He enjoys reading and sports and playing rock and roll guitar. He is a member of the Order of Daedalians, the USAF Academy Association of Graduates, and the American Legion. The RNASA Foundation will present the National Space Trophy to Chilton at its 25th annual Awards Gala on May 6, 2011 at the Houston Hyatt Regency hotel in Houston, Texas. See the [URL=http://www.rnasa.org]RNASA website[/URL] for information about sponsorships and tickets for the event.
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved.