Biography:
Anne Charlotte McClain, born on June 7, 1979, is a Colonel in the U.S. Army, engineer, and a NASA astronaut. Her call sign, Annimal, is a nod to her rugby days and is also used in her Twitter handle, AstroAnnimal. McClain’s journey to becoming an astronaut is a testament to her determination and resilience.
Growing up in Spokane, Washington, McClain nurtured her dream of becoming an astronaut from a young age. In 1997, she graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School before enrolling in R.O.T.C. at Gonzaga University and playing softball at Spokane Community College. Her ultimate goal was to attend the United States Military Academy, West Point, where she could pursue her passion for mechanical engineering.
In 2002, McClain’s dedication paid off as she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from West Point. Not only did she graduate as an Army officer, but she also received a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Bath in 2004 and a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Bristol in 2005 through a prestigious Marshall Scholarship. Her work on unsteady aerodynamics and flow visualization of free-to-roll non-slender delta wings was even published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
McClain’s commitment to service extended beyond her academic pursuits. She traveled to Africa for eight weeks with Operation Crossroads Africa, where she worked on a construction project in Uganda. This experience further showcased her dedication to helping others and making a positive impact on the world.
Despite her academic and humanitarian endeavors, McClain’s passion for rugby was never far away. She played in the Women’s Premiership, the top level of the sport in England, and proudly represented the United States women’s national rugby union team, also known as the Women’s Eagles. Although her Army commitments prevented her from participating in the 2006 Women’s Rugby World Cup, McClain credited the sport for her success in becoming an astronaut. In fact, she highlighted the importance of her rugby training when preparing in a space suit within a neutral buoyancy pool.
McClain’s military career saw her reach impressive heights. After qualifying as a Bell OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilot, she was deployed to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Cavalry Regiment at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii. Throughout her deployment, McClain flew 800 hours and completed 216 combat missions during the 15-month Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign in the Persian Gulf. Such experiences further molded her resilience and adaptability.
Continuing to advance in her military career, McClain participated in the Aviation Captain’s Career Course in 2009. Following that, she became the battalion operations officer and OH-58D instructor for the 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment at Fort Rucker. McClain’s leadership skills were honed during this time, commanding troops and instructing others in the intricacies of helicopter operations.
Awards:
– Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal
– Air Medal with Valor Device
– Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
– Army Achievement Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
– Combat Action Badge
– United States Army Parachutist Badge
McClain’s remarkable journey led her to qualify as a NASA astronaut in 2013. She completed her training and served as a Flight Engineer for Expedition 58/59 to the International Space Station, contributing to furthering scientific research and space exploration.
Anne McClain’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and passion. From her childhood dreams to her academic achievements, military service, and eventual role as an astronaut, McClain has not only broken gender barriers but has become an inspiration to future generations, particularly women in STEM fields. Her unwavering dedication and contributions to both aerospace engineering and space exploration have left an indelible mark on society.