posted 02-06-2025 09:37 PM               

CSCAA Honors Army Graduate, Dr. David R. Scott with the Charles McCaffree Award

The CSCAA is proud to announce Dr. David R. Scott, an Army West Point graduate, as the recipient of the prestigious Charles McCaffree Award. This recognition is presented to an individual connected with the sport of collegiate swimming and diving who has achieved outstanding success outside of the pool.

Scott is widely recognized for his remarkable contributions to space exploration as a NASA astronaut, test pilot, and leader of one of the most scientifically groundbreaking Apollo missions. His journey to becoming the seventh person to walk on the Moon began with an enduring passion for aviation and a foundation of discipline forged through his experiences as a student-athlete.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Scott developed an early fascination with flying, inspired by his father, an Air Force general. Scott attended Riverside Technical High School in California, where he began swimming competitively. This passion for swimming carried him to collegiate athletics, where he competed as a swimmer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his time as a cadet, Scott set school records and became an All-American athlete, competing in the 300-yard medley relay and other freestyle events. His leadership, dedication, and drive were evident both in the pool and in the classroom, where he graduated fifth in his class of 633 in 1954.

Following graduation, Scott was commissioned into the Air Force, where he flew fighter jets in Europe during the Cold War. He later pursued advanced studies, earning both a Master of Science and an Engineer degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1962. This rigorous academic training, coupled with his natural leadership abilities, set the stage for his selection as an astronaut in NASA's third group in 1963.

Scott first ventured into space in 1966 as Pilot of Gemini 8, alongside Neil Armstrong. Together, they performed the first successful docking of two spacecraft in Earth orbit, demonstrating critical capabilities for future lunar missions. Despite a life-threatening malfunction that caused their spacecraft to spin uncontrollably, Scott and Armstrong stabilized the mission and returned safely to Earth, a testament to their training and quick thinking under pressure.

In 1969, Scott flew as Command Module Pilot for Apollo 9, conducting the first comprehensive Earth-orbital test of the fully configured Apollo spacecraft, including the Lunar Module. His leadership and expertise played a pivotal role in validating the systems required for lunar landings.

Scott achieved his greatest legacy as Commander of Apollo 15 in 1971. This mission, which focused on scientific exploration of the Moon, marked several firsts: the first extended lunar stay, the first use of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, and the first deep exploration of lunar geology at Hadley Rille and the Apennine Mountains. Scott's innovative demonstration of Galileo's theory—dropping a hammer and a feather on the Moon to prove they fall at the same rate in the absence of air resistance—remains an iconic moment in space exploration history.

Over his NASA career, Scott logged 546 hours and 54 minutes in space, including 20 hours and 46 minutes of extravehicular activity. He retired from the Air Force as a Colonel in 1975, having accumulated over 5,600 hours of flight time in more than two dozen types of aircraft. Following his final Apollo mission, Scott served as Director of NASA's Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center and contributed to advancing space and aviation technology.

Scott's achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, two Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale Gold Medal. He is a Fellow of the American Astronautical Society, the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, and several engineering honor societies.

In reflecting on his multifaceted career, Scott credits his background in swimming with instilling the competitiveness, endurance, and mental preparation that carried him through the most challenging moments of his life. From the pool at West Point to the rugged surface of the Moon, Dr. David R. Scott exemplifies the extraordinary possibilities that arise from dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

CSCAA members can register for the 64th Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at the Marriott Crabtree in Raleigh, North Carolina.