Brian Welch

Headquarters, Washington, DC March 28, 1996

(Phone: 202/358-1600)

RELEASE: 96-60

TRAFTON NAMED SPACE FLIGHT ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR

Wilbur C. Trafton today was named Associate

Administrator for the Office of Space Flight, Washington,
DC, placing him in charge of NASA's Human Exploration and
Development of Space Enterprise. Trafton had been serving as
acting Associate Administrator since January 26.

ÒWil brings great experience and leadership to this

office," said NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin in
announcing the appointment. "He's committed to a vibrant
human spaceflight program that provides value and benefit to
America." The appointment is effective immediately.

As Associate Administrator for Space Flight, Trafton

will be responsible for establishing the policies and
direction of NASA's human spaceflight programs.

Trafton was named director of the Space Station program

on January 6, 1994. In this position he was responsible for
overall planning, budgeting and management of the
International Space Station to be built and operated by the
United States, Russia, the European Space Agency, Japan and
Canada.

In January 1996, Trafton assumed additional

responsibilities as the acting Associate Administrator for
Space Flight. In his new capacity, Trafton will continue to
fill both positions.

Prior to joining NASA, Trafton worked in both the

public and private sectors. From 1992-1993, he served as
Chief Operating Officer and President of Micro Research
Industries, a state-of-the-art computer systems integration
and software company in the Washington metropolitan area.

During a 26-year Navy career, Captain Trafton held

command and high level staff positions in areas of
operations, acquisition, and international affairs. A Naval
Aviator, he is a decorated combat veteran. He served as
Executive Officer aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S.
Forrestal and as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Seattle.

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He was the Executive Assistant to the Commander, Naval

Air Systems Command involved in the acquisition of major
aviation systems. At the Pentagon, he served as Team Chief
for Contingency Planning and Crisis Action for the Joint
Chiefs of Staff. In that capacity, he conducted
Congressional and Executive Branch liaison for the Chairman,
Joint Chiefs of Staff on international issues. As Assistant
Chief-of-Staff for Plans and Policy for the Commander,
U.S. Pacific Fleet, he coordinated international military
and diplomatic negotiations with Pacific Rim nations,
including Russia. Captain Trafton led the team that planned
and managed the withdrawal of U.S. naval forces from the
Philippines.

Trafton is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Class

of 1966. He received a master's degree in Operations
Research and Systems Analysis from the U.S. Naval
Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. He also is a graduate of
Defense Systems Management College, Ft. Belvoir, VA.

Trafton is married to Mary Grace Schwab. They reside in

Alexandria, VA.

-end-

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