This Military Service Page was created/owned by
PO1 Jeff Frey (Ace)
to remember
Smith, Michael J., CAPT.
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Last Address Beaufort
Date of Passing Jan 28, 1986
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Captain Smith was assigned as Pilot on STS-51-L. Captain Smith died on 28 Jan 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
Other Comments:
Promoted posthumously by Congress to the rank of Captain.
Space Shuttle Mission STSS 51-L was NASA's "Teacher in Space" mission. Concord High School Teacher, Christa McAuliffe was also aboard.
Flew 28 different types of civilian and military aircraft, logging 4,867.7 hours of flying time.
Chair named in his honor at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.
Namesake for the Michael J. Smith Airport in Beaufort, North Carolina.
