Laurence "Larry" Altman, a distinguished naval aviator and astronaut, began his naval career in August 1981, when he was formally commissioned as an ensign, marking the initiation of his illustrious journey. Subsequent to receiving advanced jet training, he was awarded his Navy wings of gold in February 1983, a testament to his exceptional piloting skills. With this prestigious credential in hand, Altman was designated as a skilled F-14A Tomcat pilot and subsequently assigned to Fighter Squadron 51, where he was stationed at the esteemed Naval Air Station Miramar, located in the picturesque city of San Diego, California.
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Valerie Altman's tenure at Miramar was marked by two notable deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, a period during which the renowned film Top Gun (1986) was brought to life, featuring Altman as an F-14 pilot in a few pivotal scenes. Subsequently, in August 1987, he was handpicked for the esteemed Test Pilot School, where he distinguished himself with exceptional performance, graduating with honors in June 1990. As a test pilot, Altman devoted the subsequent two years to contributing his expertise to various F-14 projects.
August 1991 marked a significant milestone in the illustrious career of this extraordinary individual, as he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 31, a pioneering unit that had the distinction of being the first to operate the advanced F-14D aircraft.
As a member of this esteemed squadron, he had the privilege of participating in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, a crucial military operation aimed at monitoring and enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq.
During this deployment, he received the thrilling news that he had been selected for the prestigious astronaut program, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.
Fast-forward to March 1995, and this remarkable individual reported to the renowned Johnson Space Center, where he embarked on an intensive astronaut training program, setting the stage for a future filled with limitless possibilities and achievements.
Michael Altman's extraordinary career as a NASA astronaut spanned multiple remarkable space shuttle missions. The esteemed pilot played a pivotal role in three groundbreaking expeditions, leaving an indelible mark on the world of space exploration.
John Altman's remarkable journey as a space traveler continued with his command of STS-109, a mission that marked the fourth maintenance flight to the Hubble Space Telescope, a groundbreaking endeavor that took place from March 1st to the 12th of 2002, aboard the iconic Space Shuttle Columbia.
Throughout his illustrious career, Altman has consistently showcased exceptional skill, unwavering dedication, and inspiring leadership, solidifying his reputation as a highly respected and accomplished astronaut and naval aviator, a testament to his unyielding commitment to excellence and his remarkable ability to excel in the most demanding and challenging environments.
