National Aeronautic Association Says Farewell to Tom Stafford | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-07.07.25

Airborne-NextGen-07.08.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.09.25

Airborne-FlightTraining-07.10.25

AirborneUnlimited-07.11.25

Wed, Mar 20, 2024

National Aeronautic Association Says Farewell to Tom Stafford

Commemorations Roll in For Longtime Advocate

The National Aeronautic Association Board also commented on the passage of Lieutenant General Tom Stafford of the US Air Force.

Their eulogy stands apart from some of the others, emphasizing Stafford's past as a general pilot and aviator over his time as a NASA astronaut and space advocate. It's an interesting thing to see, tracking the life of someone who literally climbed up the ranks from square one to eventually touch the absolute peak of aeronautics. In addition to repairing the Hubble Telescope on an EVA mission, Stafford had a hand in developing legendary aircraft like the B-1A and F-15. As the US Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisitions, Stafford even "conceived of and urged the development of stealth aircraft technology, which later led to the F-117, B-2, and F-22 Raptor."

"In his long and distinguished career, General Stafford was a fighter pilot, flight instructor, distinguished test pilot, pioneering astronaut, aerospace record-setter, author, and advisor to federal agencies and U.S. Presidents alike," said the NAA Board's commentary. "He established a successful pattern that led directly from the Gemini missions to the International Space Station. His Apollo X mission was a pathfinder that laid the foundation for the successful lunar landings. Today’s international cooperation and partnership in space was forged upon the historic handshake he offered his Soviet counterpart during the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975."

"We have lost a giant," added NAA Board Chair Jim Albaugh. "Tom was an engineer, a pilot, an astronaut, a mentor, and a friend. He played a large part in so many NASA and Air Force Programs. His kindness and personal touch will be missed by all who knew him."

"Another extraordinary legend of American aerospace is gone," said Amy Spowart, President and CEO of the NAA. "Tom Stafford was a giant among people, and his desire to champion the wonder of aviation and the glory of space was infectious. His passion and legacy will live on for generations."

FMI: www.naa.aero

Advertisement

More News

KidVenture Educational Activities Lineup At EAA AirVenture 2025

Youth Explore With Hands-On Builds, RC Airplanes, Flight Sims, Much More KidVenture is located just north of the EAA Aviation Museum, at Pioneer Airport, and has arranged a myriad >[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.07.25)

“About nine decades ago, Amelia Earhart was recruited to Purdue, and the university president later worked with her to prepare an aircraft for her historic flight around the >[...]

Airborne 07.07.25: Sully v Bedford, RAF Vandalism, Discovery Moving?

Also: New Amelia Search, B737 Flap Falls Off, SUN ‘n FUN Unveiling, F-16 Record Captain Sully Sullenberger, the pilot who saved 155 people by safely landing an A320 in the Hu>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (07.08.25)

"It is critically important for North American flight safety that Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) violations are avoided. All pilots must familiarize themselves with updates to >[...]

Airborne-NextGen 07.08.25: Joby in Dubai, Army Electra, Archer iin Abu Dhabi

Also: Hackers v Aviation, Discovery Moving?, Gogo Galileo HDX, EVE to Costa Rica Joby Aviation announced its electric air taxi successfully completed a series of VTOL wingborne tri>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC