Commander John B. Herrington, a pioneering astronaut and aviator, made history as the first enrolled citizen of a Federally recognized tribe to fly in space, and now dedicates his life to inspiring Native American youth through education and mentorship.

Commander John B. Herrington, a retired Naval Aviator, test pilot, aquanaut, and astronaut, has flown over 5,000 hours in more than 30 aircraft types. As an aquanaut, he led the sixth NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) mission, spending nearly 264 hours underwater. An enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, he is celebrated as the first member of a Federally recognized tribe to fly in space. Cdr. Herrington flew aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the 16th International Space Station assembly mission, traveling over 5.6 million miles (9 million kilometers) over 330 hours and performed three spacewalks.

After retiring, Cdr. Herrington cycled 4,300 miles (6,920 kilometers) across the United States, sharing his story and mentorship with Native American youth; and at age 52 he earned a Doctorate in Education, investigating the factors that motivate and engage Native American students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He also authored the children’s book, Mission to Space. He continues to inspire future generations through his public speaking engagements and educational outreach programs.