[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 12, 1992]
[Pages 241-242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Resignation of Richard H. Truly as Administrator of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

February 12, 1992
    I have today regretfully accepted the resignation of Richard H. 
Truly as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.

[[Page 242]]

    It was almost 3 years ago that I nominated Dick to become 
Administrator of NASA. As a result of his leadership, NASA is better 
prepared for the 1990's and beyond. He has established a balanced space 
program, and he has worked closely with the Vice President in developing 
our space exploration initiative that begins with Space Station Freedom.
    Admiral Truly has now spent 37 years of dedicated public service 
with lasting and fundamental contributions to the Nation's space 
program. He has had many significant and historic milestones in his 
career, but one of the most notable was the way he took over NASA's 
Office of Space Flight soon after the Challenger tragedy. It was under 
Dick Truly's able leadership and steady hand that NASA was able to 
rebuild the space shuttle program and return it to safe operation in 
1988.
    The Nation owes Admiral Truly a great debt of gratitude, and Barbara 
joins me at this time in extending to Dick and his family our heartfelt 
thanks and the admiration and appreciation of our Nation.
    Admiral Truly has agreed to remain with NASA until April 1, and the 
search for a new NASA Administrator has begun. Because of Dick's work, I 
am confident that we will continue to press forward with an aggressive 
and innovative civil space program.