February 2, 1999

Doug Peterson
Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
(281) 483-5111

JSC RELEASE: J99-2

New Assignments in NASA/JSC Flight Crew Operations

As NASA begins the on-orbit assembly of the International Space Station, several new assignments have been made in the Flight Crew Operations Directorate and Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Curtis L. Brown (Lt. Col., USAF) has been named Acting Deputy Director of Flight Crew Operations following the successful completion of Shuttle mission STS-95. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Brown is a veteran of five Shuttle flights. Brown replaces Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar (Ph.D.) who has been named as the Assistant Director for University Affairs reporting directly to the Center Director. She serves as the focal point for JSC's grant programs, educational programs and initiatives, and collaborative efforts with universities and other external organizations. This is a new position that will serve to focus the Center's educational and university programs, enhancing the cooperative activities between NASA and university community.

Charles J. Precourt (Col., USAF) has been named Chief of the Astronaut Office replacing Kenneth D. Cockrell who has been named commander of the upcoming STS-98 mission. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Precourt is a veteran of four space flights: STS-55, STS-71, STS-84, and STS-91. He also served as Director of Operations for NASA at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia and Acting Assistant Center Director (Technical) at the Johnson Space Center.

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