12 Facts About Jim Wetherbee

Jim Wetherbee is a veteran of six Space Shuttle missions and is the only American to have commanded five spaceflight missions.

Jim Wetherbee was born on November 27,1952, in Flushing, New York, and raised in Huntington Station, New York.

Jim Wetherbee graduated from Holy Family Diocesan High School in South Huntington, New York, in 1970.

Jim Wetherbee earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1974.

Jim Wetherbee was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1976.

Jim Wetherbee has logged over 7,000 hours flying time in 20 different types of aircraft, including 345 carrier landings.

Jim Wetherbee was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1984, and became an astronaut in June 1985.

Jim Wetherbee piloted his first mission STS-32 in 1990 and commanded missions STS-52, STS-63, STS-86, STS-102, and STS-113.

Jim Wetherbee retired from the US Navy in 2003 and left NASA in 2005 to become a consultant.

Jim Wetherbee joined BP in 2006, as a safety auditor, and retired in 2014.

Jim Wetherbee is currently working as a drummer and as a consultant for leaders in hazardous environments.

Jim Wetherbee is married to Robin DeVore Platt of Jacksonville, Florida, and has two daughters.