U.S. SENATE CONFIRMS FREDERICK D. GREGORY, NASA'S FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR The U.S. Senate late Thursday
confirmed Frederick D. Gregory as NASA Deputy Administrator. Gregory, a veteran
Space Shuttle commander who previously served as the Associate Administrator for
Space Flight, is set to become the agency's first African-American deputy. The
Senate will now send the confirmation back to the White House for the
President's signature. Gregory must be sworn into office before he assumes his
new position. "I couldn't be happier for Fred. His
considerable experience as an astronaut and aviator, and his leadership in space
flight safety are needed at this critical time for the agency," said NASA
Administrator Sean O'Keefe. "This is a busy time for the U.S. Senate and I'm
delighted Fred's nomination was given brisk consideration. I appreciate the
efforts of Senator Fritz Hollings and Senator Ron Wyden, both of whom acted in
NASA's best interest in expeditiously guiding Fred's nomination through the
confirmation process. "It's the first time in more
than a decade that the Deputy Administrator position has been filled. Gregory
will serve as the chief operating officer for the agency and report directly to
Administrator O'Keefe. He will be responsible for directing and managing many of
the programs as well as the day-to-day operations and activities at NASA.
Before being named Associate Administrator for Space Flight in December
2001, Gregory served as Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance
and was charged with the oversight of all safety issues within NASA. He
developed, implemented and managed quality assurance policies that dealt with
reliability and maintainability. "This is an
incredible opportunity," Gregory said after hearing of the Senate's vote. "I
appreciate the President's confidence and I'm thankful for the Senate's speedy
consideration. We have a lot of work to do and I'm confident we'll be able to
continue NASA's historic legacy of accomplishment."
As a NASA astronaut, Gregory logged more than 455 hours in space during three
Space Shuttle missions. In 1985, he served as pilot on board Challenger during
STS-51B. Gregory was mission commander for STS-33 in 1989 and STS-44 in
1991.Gregory was selected as an astronaut in 1978,
after a distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force. He logged nearly 7,000
hours in 50 types of aircraft, including 550 combat missions over Vietnam. He
retired as a Colonel in December 1993.Gregory has been awarded the Legion of
Merit Defense Superior Service Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, 16 Air Medals,
The Air Force Commendation Medal and three NASA Space Flight medals.
His honors also include the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA
Outstanding Leadership Award, the National Society of Black Engineers
Distinguished National Scientist Award, the George Washington University
Distinguished Alumni Award and an "Ira Eaker Fellow" by the Air Force
Association.