NASA Administrator Offers Condolences on the Passing of Former Kennedy Center Director Forrest McCartney

July 18, 2012

David Weaver
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
david.s.weaver@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-242

NASA ADMINISTRATOR OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FORMER KENNEDY CENTER DIRECTOR FORREST MCCARTNEY

WASHINGTON -- NASA Administrator Charles Bolden issued the following
statement Wednesday on the death of former Kennedy Space Center
Director Forrest McCartney:

"On behalf of the entire NASA family, I wish to express our
condolences on the passing of Retired United States Air Force Lt.
General and former Kennedy Space Center Director Forrest S.
McCartney.

After 35 years of distinguished service in the Unites States Air
Force, McCartney was named Kennedy Space Center director in 1987,
only months after the fateful Challenger accident had shocked the
nation and put the shuttle program on hiatus. McCartney's visionary
leadership resulted in the shuttle's return-to-flight and a stellar
safety record during his five-year tenure.

In the 50-year history of Kennedy Space Center there have been only 10
directors. Forrest McCartney was one of the finest. As an engineer, a
patriot and a leader, McCartney leaves an indelible mark on America's
space program. His service to his country and to Kennedy earned him
distinguished service medals from both the Air Force and NASA.

We are grateful for his many contributions and we honor his legacy by
rededicating ourselves to the values of exploration, education and
inspiration that were the hallmarks of his life. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his wife Ruth and the McCartney family."


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