Maybe your birthplace can shape your future. Robert “Hoot” Gibson was born in the birthplace of the Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, NY) and ends up in the U.S. Astronaut (2003), National Aviation (2012) and U.S. Space Camp Hall of Fame (2012). Hoot considers Lakewood is hometown.
In 1969, Gibson joined the Navy and worked his way up the aviation ladder: basic and primary flight training at Pensacola, advanced flight training before being assigned to Fighter Squadron 121 (VF-121) at Miramar. Later graduated from Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as "TOPGUN."
After assignments on various carriers, returned home to be a F-14A instructor pilot Miramar. Selected as a NASA astronaut (Space Shuttle, Endeavour, Atlantis, Challenger, five missions, 36.5 days in space, he continued to be promoted, eventually achieving the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy. He retired from active naval service.
Hoot became a pilot for Southwest Airlines later becoming the Chief Test Pilot for Benson Space Company. Gibson has flown 111 different aircraft types and has become a regular competitor at the annual Reno Air Races. Beginning in 2009, Gibson flew as a demonstration pilot for Hawker Beechcraft Corporation to showcase the Premier 1A light business jet across the United States and overseas.
Come hear this veteran test pilot. Parking is free. WMoF members are free with guests only $10
