Astronaut Biography: Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr.

NASA astronaut Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr, who goes by his middle name, poses for a mission specialist portrait. (Image credit: NASA)

NAME:Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr. (Colonel, U.S. Air Force)
NASA Astronaut

PERSONALDATA: BornNovember 5, 1962 in Washington, DC. Single. His parents, Muriel and BenjaminDrew, Sr., reside in Fort Washington, Maryland.

EDUCATION:
1980 High School Diploma from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC.
1984 Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United StatesAir Force Academy.
1984 Bachelor of Science in Physics from the United States Air Force Academy.
1995 Master of Aerospace Science from Embry Riddle University.
2006 Master of Strategic Studies in Political Science from the United StatesAir Force Air University.

His initialassignment was to the HH-3E flying combat rescue. He transitioned to the MH-60Gand was assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command. There, he flewcombat missions in operations JUST CAUSE, DESERT SHIELD/ DESERT STORM andPROVIDE COMFORT. He completed USAF Fixed-Wing Qualification in April 1993, andthe United States Naval Test Pilot School in June 1994. He has commanded twoflight test units and served on Air Combat Command Staff. He is a Command Pilotwith 3000 hours flying time in over 30 types of aircraft.

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