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From the unique perspective of a Shuttle astronaut with nearly a thousand hours in space, Rick Searfoss knows what leadership, teamwork and dedication to mission really mean. He fills his keynote speeches with tales of his life as a space explorer, test pilot, and aviation engineer. Against this other-worldly background, Rick's inspires audiences with his message of the importance of the down to earth realities of compassion, faith, family, and service beyond self. These are the foundations of the success Searfoss has enjoyed throughout his remarkable career and the essential lessons he offers to motivate, enlighten and uplift audiences wherever he speaks.
The Real Right Stuff: As one of less than a hundred people ever who have actually ever commanded a human space mission, Colonel Rick Searfoss speaks on leadership, teamwork, and personal performance with authority born of in-depth personal experience.
He has piloted two Space Shuttle missions and commanded a third, with over 939 hours in space and 5400 hours flying time in 61 different types of aircraft. His first space flight in 1993 set the record for the longest duration Space Shuttle mission. In 1996 he piloted Atlantis to the Russian space station Mir.
With the STS-90 “Neurolab” mission on Columbia in 1998, Rick commanded the most complex scientific research space mission ever flown, with unparalleled mission success. Rick has over twenty-five years experience as a leader in some of the most demanding team endeavors possible – human space flight, test flying, and tactical military aviation. Unsurpassed credibility and experience coupled with out-of-this-world speaking skills!
Commitment and Character: Colonel Searfoss was the number one graduate in his United States Air Force Academy class overall, academically, in engineering, and in the Aeronautical Engineering major. He later earned a graduate degree from the California Institute of Technology on a National Science Foundation Fellowship. Outstanding Young Men of America, distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons (Topgun) School and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. His many awards include F-111 Instructor Pilot of the Year, Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory Excellence in Turbine Engine Design Award, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Superior Service Medal, and NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. Top results through dedication, effort, and commitment. Rick brings that same dedication to enthusiastically sharing the principles of success with every group he meets.
Charisma and Compassion: Beyond the unique professional experiences he has enjoyed, Rick’s incredible supportive wife and three daughters keep him focused on what’s truly important: faith, family, and service beyond self. His varied outside interested include running, backpacking, model airplanes, soccer, science fiction, and classical music. With compelling firsthand examples from richly rewarding professional and personal experiences, Rick speaks from the heart to teach, motivate, enlighten, and uplift audiences and fulfill his personal mission.