Four T-45A Goshawk Aircraft Flew Over Austin, TX

On Jan. 25, the U.S. Navy rendered honors to former astronaut and naval aviator, Eugene Cernan, during a burial service in Austin, Texas.

At 11:05 CST, four T-45A Goshawk aircraft assigned to Training Air Wing 2, based in Kingsville, Texas, held a missing man formation flyover in honor of Cernan's service to the nation both in the military and while at NASA.

"Gene Cernan was a great American hero and his legacy will not be forgotten," said Rear Adm. Dell Bull, chief of the Navy's Air Training Command, which includes Training Air Wing 2. "He embodied the spirit of naval aviation: bravery, dedication, and the resolve to be the very best. We are proud to honor such an icon today."

After graduating from Purdue University, Cernan began his career in aviation at Pensacola, Florida, under the Navy's Air Training Command. While in the Navy, Cernan was selected for the NASA space program and is renowned as the commander of Apollo 17, NASA's last mission to the moon. He retired from naval service and completed his NASA career in 1976.

"Captain Cernan got his start in aviation under our air training command," said Bull. "It seems only fitting we say goodbye this way."

(Source: U.S. Navy news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.navy.mil