February 2003 President's Corner

Bob Schultz '71, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

The Dark Ages are upon us! By the time you read this you should be dusting off your best formalwear and heading out to NAS Atlanta for our Chapter Dark Ages Party on February 15th. It should be a great forum for celebrating the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy. Hope to see you all there.

Besides our regular monthly luncheons on the third Friday of each month, our next major event is the 7th Annual Army-Navy Golf Classic on May 2nd at Fort McPherson. Mark that date on your calendars now, and watch future newsletters and the Chapter web site for reservation information as the event nears. Next, in early June, is the nationally renown Atlanta Chapter LobsterFest! Keep June 7th open on your calendar for now. We’ll confirm that date as time approaches.

Now on to a much more serious topic. I don’t think I need to remind anyone that on Saturday, February 1st, this country lost the seven pioneers who piloted the space shuttle Columbia. Among that crew of astronauts was Commander William (Willie) McCool, USNA Class of 1983. I am deeply saddened to have lost yet another shipmate when the memory of many other lost shipmates from not that long ago are still fresh in my mind.

In case you don’t know much about Willie, here are some highlights. Willie was born on September 23, 1961 in San Diego, California. He graduated from Coronado High School, Lubbock, Texas, in 1979; received a bachelor of science degree in applied science from the Naval Academy in 1983, a master of science degree in computer science from the University of Maryland in 1985, and a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1992.

He was an Eagle Scout; graduated second of 1,083 in his class at the Naval Academy; presented “Outstanding Student” and “Best DT-II Thesis” awards as graduate of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Class 101; awarded Navy Commendation Medals (2), Navy Achievement Medals (2), and various other service awards.

Willie completed flight training in August 1986 and was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 at Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial EA-6B Prowler training. His first operational tour was with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133, where he made two deployments aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) to the Mediterranean Sea, and received designation as a wing qualified landing signal officer (LSO). In November 1989, he was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School (TPS) Cooperative Education Program. After graduating from TPS in June 1992, he worked as TA-4J and EA-6B test pilot in Flight Systems Department of Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at Patuxent River, Maryland. He was responsible for the management and conduct of a wide variety of projects, ranging from airframe fatigue life studies to numerous avionics upgrades. His primary efforts, however, were dedicated to flight test of the Advanced Capability (ADVCAP) EA-6B. Following his Patuxent River tour, he returned to Whidbey Island, and was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). He served as Administrative and Operations Officer with the squadron through their work-up cycle, receiving notice of NASA selection while embarked on ENTERPRISE for her final pre-deployment at-sea period. He has over 2,800 hours flight experience in 24 aircraft and over 400 carrier arrestments.

Willie was selected by NASA in April 1996 and reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. He completed two years of training and evaluation, and qualified for flight assignment as a pilot. Initially assigned to the Computer Support Branch, he also served as Technical Assistant to the Director of Flight Crew Operations, and worked Shuttle cockpit upgrade issues for the Astronaut Office. He was then assigned as pilot for the Columbia launch.

I hope that Willie and all his crewmembers can hear me when I say “thank you” for dedicating their lives to the advancement of science and the service of mankind. That’s why they go where they go… because of dedication and service. We all know that. But not only that, I think they go because of the great adventure. An adventure not without risk, but worthy of their valiant efforts.

Please keep the family and friends of all seven Columbia crewmembers in your thoughts and prayers.

God bless America, and God bless our troops defending freedom around the world.

And… BEAT ARMY!

Robert R. Schultz ’71