[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 104 (Friday, June 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E640-E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DAVID McBRIDE'S SERVICE TO THE NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH 
                                 CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2022

  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Director of 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Armstrong 
Flight Research Center, David McBride, on his retirement after many 
years of service to the scientific community.
  Pursuing his passion for aeronautics research, David kicked off his 
career with NASA as a cooperative education student in 1982. 
Specializing in digital flight control systems analysis, he explored 
the way in which aircraft perform under an array of flight test 
conditions. Wanting to continue his interest in the field, David 
received both an undergraduate and graduate degree from the University 
of New Mexico, earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical 
Engineering in 1985 and Executive Master of Business Administration in 
1998.
  Upon graduation, David climbed the ranks at NASA Armstrong, 
eventually becoming Program Manager for the Flight Research Program, as 
well as Deputy Center Director and Associate Director for Programs and 
Projects. In these roles, David was integral in the study, development, 
and testing of groundbreaking technologies, including the Intelligent 
Flight Control System, X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research 
project, and solar-powered Helios aircraft.
  In 2010, David was appointed Director of the Armstrong Flight 
Research Center, formerly the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center. 
Under his leadership, NASA Armstrong remained the premier research 
center for aeronautics in the United States. In fact, NASA Armstrong 
conducted critical flight development tests over the years, including 
the notable testing of the X-48B/C hybrid wing body experimental 
aircraft and the testing of NASA Orion's launch and abort systems. 
Additionally, during David's tenure as Director, NASA Armstrong's 
Boeing 747SP SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) 
project became fully operational--a feat that has allowed our nation's 
foremost scientists to further our nation's scientific understanding.
  Throughout his career, David has devoted himself to exploring new 
frontiers and building upon NASA Armstrong's proud legacy of scientific 
discovery. Though he will be greatly missed at the Armstrong Flight 
Research Center, I am confident David will continue to be a force in 
the world of scientific development. On behalf of the 23rd 
Congressional District of California, I would like to thank David for 
his service to our community, and I wish him and his family the very 
best as they enter this new chapter of their lives.

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