Ranking Members Lofgren & Sorensen Statement on the Passing of General Tom Stafford
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Yesterday, General Thomas Stafford passed away at the age of 93. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and studying at the Air Force’s Experimental Flight Test Pilot School, General Stafford was selected as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) second class of astronauts in 1962. General Stafford completed four spaceflights, including commanding Apollo 10, a test run that preceded the Apollo 11 Moon landing, and commanding the first international meeting in space between the U.S. and the then-Soviet Union. Stafford continued to serve his country in various positions, including heading the Air Force’s Flight Test Center and helping lead the development of the B-2 stealth bomber.
“We’re saddened to learn of the passing of General Tom Stafford,” said Ranking Members Lofgren and Sorensen. “A three-star general, Tom Stafford was a trailblazing, history-making NASA astronaut who committed his life to serving our country. General Stafford was selected in 1962 as part of the second class of NASA astronauts. His bravery and expertise were critical to the successes of the Apollo program, as well as America’s leadership and peacemaking in space. We owe much to General Stafford, and it was an honor to learn from him during his many appearances with the Committee over the last several years. We’ll continue to honor his legacy as we work to advance human space exploration and discovery.”
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