Chickasaw Pioneers of Flight Recognized for Their Historic Efforts

This year marks a milestone in space exploration – the 10th anniversary of the first Native American in space. Commander John B. Herrington is one of many Oklahoma heroes who helped to catapult Oklahoma into the space age.

Herrington, a Chickasaw, became the first Native American in space in Nov. 2002 during his mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.

He served as the flight engineer during the mission to the International Space Station, where he logged more than 330 hours in space, of which nearly 20 hours were spent performing spacewalks.

He is one of many Oklahoma sons and daughters selected for the United States space program. Born in Wetumka, Okla., Herrington honored his heritage by carrying the Chickasaw Nation flag on his historic trip to the stars in November of 2002.

By KC Cole