Texas Tech University

Distinguished Engineer Citations

                 
Distinguished Engineer Photo: Rick D. Husband
Rick D. Husband

Rick D. Husband

Distinguished Engineer

1997

Degree

Mechanical Engineering – 1980

 

Citation

At Time of Nomination in 1997

Rick Husband was born in Amarillo, Texas, 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 Fl 00–PW–229 increased performance engine, and also served as a F–15 Aerial Demonstration Pilot. His Air Force Career has taken him to many different Air Force Bases. In 1992, he became an exchange test pilot with the Royal Air Force. He has logged over 3000 hours of flight time in more than 40 different types of aircraft.

Lt. 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.

Lt. Colonel Husband is 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.

Lt. Colonel Husband is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Tau Beta Pi, Air Force Association, and the Texas Tech Ex–Students Association. He enjoys singing, water and snow skiing, cycling, and spending time with his family. He and his family are members of the Grace Community Church in Houston.

Lt. Colonel Husband is married to the former Evelyn Neely, a Texas Tech Telecommunications graduate. They have two children, Laura and Matthew.

Texas Tech is privileged to bestow upon Rick Husband the title of DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER.

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