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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County District 3 Commissioner Lumon May joined in celebrating the history and future of Black aviation during Aviation Community Day, honoring special guest Capt. Victor Glover, who made history in 2021 as the first Black astronaut to live long-term aboard the International Space Station.
Capt. Glover, who first began his military career training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, has also been selected to pilot NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission in 2024.
Aviation Community Day took place Friday, Nov. 10 at Legion Field, kicking off Veterans Day weekend with a variety of educational and fun activities highlighting Black aviators and inspiring local youth.
This free community event was hosted by Commissioner May, in partnership with the Black Aviators Network, for children in the community who may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet an astronaut. Attendees included military leaders, aviators, local law enforcement and community members.
During the event, Capt. Glover presented Commissioner May with a distinguished set of Naval Astronaut Wings and an emblematic flag that had been ceremoniously flown aboard the International Space Station during Expeditions 64/65.
"It was an honor to welcome Black aviators to Escambia County during Veterans Day weekend," Commissioner May said. "Many of them got their start training here in Northwest Florida. We're blessed to have these aviators here at Aviation Community Day to inspire us all and encourage the next generation to follow their dreams."
Capt. Glover has a distinguished career with the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and NASA, selected in 2013 as one of eight members of the 21st NASA astronaut class. He has accumulated 3,000 flight hours in more than 40 aircraft, over 400 carrier arrested landings and 24 combat missions.
Capt. Glover most recently served as pilot and second-in-command on the Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon, named Resilience. Landing on May 2, 2021, it was the first post-certification mission of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. He also served as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 64.
To learn more about Capt. Glover, visit the NASA website.
Special thanks to the Black Aviators Network, the General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc., the East Pensacola Rattlers, and Southern Youth Sports Association for supporting this event.
District 3 Commissioner Lumon May and Capt. Victor Glover at Aviation Community Day on Nov. 10, 2023.
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