Colonel Rick Douglas Husband

Rick Husband was born in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1975 and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1980 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University-Fresno in 1990. Upon graduation from Texas Tech University, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He attended pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, graduating in 1981. He was assigned to F-4 training at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, and then was assigned to Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. In 1985, he attended F-4 Instructor School and was assigned as an instructor pilot and academic instructor later that year at George Air Force Base, California. In 1987, he attended the United States Air Force Test Pilot School and upon completion of this training, served as a test pilot flying the F-4 and all five models of the F-15. He served as the program manager for the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 increased performance engine, and also served as a F-15 Aerial Demonstration Pilot. His Air Force Career took him to many different Air Force Bases. In 1992 he became an exchange test pilot with the Royal Air Force. He logged over 3000 hours of flight time in more than 40 different types of aircraft. Colonel Husband was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in December 1994; reporting to Johnson Space Center in March 1995, to begin a year of training and evaluation. Upon completion of his training, Major Husband was named the Astronaut Office Representative for Advanced Projects at Johnson Space Center. Colonel Husband was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force ROTC, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Squadron Officers School, F-4 Instructor School, and United States Air Force Test Pilot School; Outstanding Engineering Student Award, Texas Tech University, 1980;and F-4 Tactical Air Command Instructor Pilot of the Year, 1987. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Colonel Husband was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Tau Beta Pi, Air Force Association, and the Texas Tech Ex-Students Association. He enjoyed singing, water and snow skiing, cycling, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Grace Community Church in Houston. Colonel Husband married the former Evelyn Neely, a Texas Tech Telecommunications graduate. They have two children Laura and Matthew.