James Patrick Dutton, Jr. | |
---|---|
NASA Astronaut | |
Nationality | American |
Status | Retired |
Born |
Eugene, Oregon, United States |
November 20, 1968
Other occupation
|
Astronaut Pilot, Col, USAF |
Current occupation
|
Airline copilot |
Previous occupation
|
Test Pilot |
Rank | Colonel, USAF |
Time in space
|
15d 02h 47m |
Selection | 2004 NASA Group |
Missions | STS-131 |
Mission insignia
|
James Patrick "Mash" Dutton, Jr. (born November 20, 1968) is a NASA astronaut pilot of the Class of 2004 (NASA Group 19), and a former test pilot in the US Air Force with the rank of Colonel.
Dutton was born in Eugene, Oregon, where he received his early education; he attended Cal Young Middle School then graduated from Sheldon High School. He joined the Air Force and graduated first in his class from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering. He has subsequently been awarded in 1994 a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics & Astronautics from the University of Washington.
Dutton is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1991. During this period he was a member of the intercollegiate Cadet Competition Flying Team.
Dutton's pilot training was at Sheppard AFB, Texas.
In 1993–1994, Dutton completed his master's degree at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
In 1995 Dutton undertook F-15C training at Tyndall AFB, Florida, then flew as an operational F-15C pilot with the 493d Fighter Squadron "Grim Reapers" at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, from October 1995 to May 1998. During this time he was deployed over Iraq and flew over 100 combat hours providing air superiority in support of Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch over northern Iraq.