Benjamin A. Drew
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Lt. Col. Benjamin Alvin Drew (1962- )is a NASA astronaut.
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[edit] Background and education
Drew was born in 1962 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC, and went on to earn a dual bachelor of science degree in physics and astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1984 and a Master of Science in Aerospace Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
[edit] Military experience
Drew received his commission as a Second Lieutenant from the United States Air Force Academy in May 1984. He completed Undergraduate Helicopter Pilot Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1985. His initial assignment was to the HH-3E flying combat rescue. He transitioned to the MH-60G and was assigned to the Air Force Special Operations Command. There, he flew combat missions in operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Provide Comfort. He completed USAF Fixed-Wing Qualification in 1993, and the United States Naval Test Pilot School in June 1994. He has commanded two flight test units and served on Air Combat Command staff. He is a Command Pilot with 3000 hours flying time in over 30 types of aircraft.
[edit] NASA experience
Selected as a mission specialist by NASA in July 2000, Lt. Col. Drew reported for training in August 2000. Following the completion of two years of training and evaluation, he was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office Station Operations Branch. He will serve in technical assignments until assigned to a space flight. Drew is currently on sabbatical to the U.S. Air Force’s Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, attending a Master’s Degree program at their Air War College.
[edit] Awards and decorations
Drew's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal; Aerial Achievement Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Combat Readiness Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 service stars.
