Born 14 September 1958, in Wetumka, Oklahoma. A member of the Chickasaw Nation, Herrington was fascinated with flight and space travel as a youngster, encouraged by his father who was a flight instructor. Herrington earned his bachelor of science degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado in 1983. His love of flight and encouragement from a former naval aviator pushed John to join the Navy flight program. Earning his wings in 1985, he was assigned to VP-48 squadron flying P-3 Orion aircraft, and later to VP-31 as an instructor. He attended the U.S. Navy test pilot school at Patuxent River and would later earn a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering at the Navy Post Graduate School. In 1996 he was selected for astronaut training and reported to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas for two years of intensive training as a mission specialist. Following his 330 hours in space, including three extra vehicular activities, Herrington served in several capacities at NASA including duties in capsule communications and astronaut training. He coordinated efforts involving U.S. and Russian cooperation with the implementation of the International Space Station. After retiring in 2005, Commander Herrington joined Rocket Plane Limited as Director of Flight Operations and pilot of the X Plane. Retired today, Herrington spends his time advancing the cause of math and science education among Native American students and, in broadening the public awareness of the importance of space travel.
Inducted in 2017.
Portrait Location: Space Gallery

Induction Video