David W. Garrett
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.    October 31, 1991
(Phone:  202/453-8400)


RELEASE:  91-180

CRIPPEN NAMED KENNEDY SPACE CENTER DIRECTOR

 	NASA Administrator Richard H. Truly has named Robert L. 
Crippen to become the new Director of the John F. Kennedy 
Space Center, effective Jan. 1, 1992.  Crippen will replace 
Forrest S. McCartney, Lt. General, USAF, Retired, who will 
continue as Kennedy Director during a transition period until 
Jan. 1.
 
	In announcing these moves, Truly said, "With 3 years of 
safe Shuttle flights behind us, the Kennedy Space Center and 
the Shuttle program are moving into an era of new challenges 
which will involve not only our continued commitment to safety, 
but also significant efforts to increase efficiencies and reduce 
operating costs.  Bob Crippen has been a key leader over the 
years, and he will take the helm at Kennedy during the exciting 
years of continued Shuttle flights, leading to Space Station 
Freedom launch operations in the mid-1990's.  Not only does 
Bob bring the personal experience of four space flights to the 
table, but his proven record of leadership in critical 
management assignments at both the Johnson and Kennedy 
centers, as well as his current job as Shuttle Program Director 
at NASA Headquarters, make him uniquely qualified at this 
critical time."
 
	Truly also said, "The last several years, during which 
General McCartney has led Kennedy, have been genuinely 
remarkable ones for this vital launch center and for Forrest as 
well.  In 1986, following the Challenger accident, I personally 
asked General McCartney, who at the time was nearing the 
conclusion of a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Air 
Force, to bring his experience to lead the safe return to flight at 
Kennedy.  Since that first return flight in September 1988, the 
Kennedy team has launched 18 safe and successful flights in 3 
years, with another on the pad at Launch Complex 39 for launch 
in just a few weeks.  This is a remarkable record, achieved 
during the most challenging time in NASA's history, and the 
strength of Forrest's leadership in preparing the launch teams 
for the Shuttle's return to flight paved the way."

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