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Navy Mourns Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia Crew, 3 of Its Own

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Story Number: NNS030203-11
Release Date: 2/3/2003 2:44:00 PM

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Space Shuttle Columbia with its crew of seven was lost Feb. 1, during its re-entry to Earth's atmosphere following a mission that began Jan. 16 and included three naval officers.

Dead are Air Force Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson, payload commander; Navy Capt. David M. Brown, mission specialist; Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; Navy Cmdr. Laurel Blair Salton Clark, mission specialist; Air Force Col. Rick D. Husband, mission commander; Navy Cmdr. William C. McCool, pilot; and Israeli Air Force Col. Ilan Ramon, payload specialist.

Acting Secretary of the Navy the Hon. Susan M. Livingstone released a statement Feb. 1 following the accident, saying "Today's tragic events have deeply saddened all Americans and people around the world. The astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia represent the best in humanity. The courage, service and sacrifice of these explorers are an inspiration to us all. As we grieve for the loss of all aboard, the Navy mourns the loss of three of our family who flew aboard Columbia. To their families we offer our heartfelt sympathy and prayers.

"Capt. Dave Brown, Cmdr. Laurel Clark and Cmdr. Willie McCool will be always remembered for their bravery and their commitment to their nation. May God Bless each of the crew of Columbia and their families. The men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps are with you."

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark echoed the acting secretary's comments, saying "Today our Navy family mourns the loss of three of our shipmates. Capt. David Brown, Cmdr. Laurel Clark and Cmdr. William McCool dedicated themselves to a lifetime of service. Their sacrifice, commitment and passion for excellence are personal examples to all of their shipmates who are privileged to wear the cloth of our nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our fallen shipmates, as well as the families of all the astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice today."

Brown, 46, was a naval aviator and flight surgeon. He served as mission specialist 1 for STS-107. Brown received a bachelor of science degree in biology from the College of William and Mary in 1978 and a doctorate in medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 1982. Selected by NASA in April 1996, Brown was making his first spaceflight.

Clark, 41, a naval flight surgeon, had been selected for promotion to captain. She was mission specialist 4 on STS-107. Clark received a bachelor of science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983 and a doctorate in medicine from the same school in 1987. Selected by NASA in April 1996, Clark was making her first spaceflight.

McCool, 41, was a former test pilot. He served as pilot for STS-107. He received a bachelor of science degree in applied science from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983, a master of science in computer science from the University of Maryland in 1985, and a master of science in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1992. Selected by NASA in April 1996, McCool was making his first spaceflight.

Columbia's mission STS-107 was dedicated to research in physical, life and space sciences, conducted in approximately 80 separate experiments, comprised of hundreds of samples and test points. The seven astronauts worked 24 hours a day, in two alternating shifts.