Move Follows Senate Passage Of House Bill

NASA's Dryden Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California has been re-named the “NASA Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center” following passage of H.R. 667 by the U.S. Senate.

The bill was introduced in the House back in February by California Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-23). The center had been named for Hugh Dryden, who had served as NASA's Deputy Administrator from 1958 through his death in 1965.

The Dryden name will not be completely removed from the base, however. The bill also allows for redesignation of the Western Aeronautical Test Range in California is as the “NASA Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range”, according to the text of the bill.

Television station KERO reports that McCarthy said in a statement "I'm honored that the Senate has passed my legislation, which will now go to the President’s desk for his signature that recognizes the rich history of Neil Armstrong and Hugh Dryden in Kern County and the Antelope Valley.

"As we reflect on the achievements and legacy of these great Americans, it is exciting to see our region continue to lead the way in innovation in space exploration and aeronautical research and scientific discovery."

(Image of NASA aircraft over now-Neal A. Armstrong Flight Research Center from file)

FMI: http://house.mccarthy.gov, www.nasa.gov