Captain David C. Leestma

U.S. Navy Astronaut (Ret.)

Muskegon, Michigan

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Graduating first in his class, Captain Leestma received a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1971 and a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1972. Among his assignments were three overseas deployments to the Mediterranean/North Atlantic areas while aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy and as an operational test director with the F-14A. Leestma was selected in the ninth group of astronauts in 1980. He flew three space shuttle missions as a mission specialist. His first was on STS-41G Challenger (the 13th shuttle mission) in October 1984, a satellite deployment mission. His second flight, STS-28 Columbia (30th shuttle mission), was a classified Department of Defense mission in August 1989. In March 1992 he flew on STS-45 Atlantis (the 46th shuttle mission) using the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and science payload to study Earth’s climate and atmosphere. He then served as Director, Flight Crew Operations Directorate, where he held overall responsibility of the astronaut office, and Manager, Johnson Space Center Exploration Programs Office. Leestma has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (VX-4), National Defense Service Medal, Battle "E" Award (VF-32), three NASA Space Flight Medals, four NASA Exceptional Service Medals, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive twice. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. During his three spaceflights he orbited Earth 357 times over 22 days, 4 hours, and 32 minutes, of which 3 hours and 29 minutes were spent on Extravehicular Activity (spacewalk). Captain Leestma retired from NASA in May 2014.