Tulsa Air and Space Museum Executive Director Back in the Cockpit
TULSA IN FLIGHT: Tulsa has requested to receive one of three retired space shuttles. From left, Executive Director of TASM Jim Bridestine and Oklahoma Astronaut John Harrington.
Tulsa, OK (Aug 18, 2010) – Jim Bridenstine, Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, has resigned from the Tulsa Air and Space Museum (TASM) to pursue his first aspiration: flying. In March, Bridenstine rejoined the Navy as a pilot in the reserves. While he could continue to serve both the museum and the Navy, he has determined that it would be best for the museum to have consistent, onsite leadership. “During the next year, I am going to spend time away for training and deployments. The museum should have a leader that is available daily.”
Bridenstine has mixed emotions about his decision to leave the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. “It is a wonderful institution for the city of Tulsa. I have enjoyed my time there and look forward to assisting them with big projects in the future. There is no doubt that the TASM board will select a great leader for this museum.”
One of Bridenstine’s major accomplishments while at TASM, convincing NASA that Tulsa is a viable home for one of the retiring space shuttles, is a project to which he is still very committed. “I will stay engaged with the space shuttle project where needed and ensure that the new executive director has all of my support going forward. My family and I will remain in Tulsa and I am fully committed to acquiring a space shuttle for the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.”
When on duty, Bridenstine will fly E-2 Hawkeyes with a squadron in New Orleans. The E-2 provides battle space command and control from an airborne platform. His new squadron is primarily responsible for counter drug operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific. Bridenstine employed the E-2 in combat missions during the early days of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before serving at the museum, Bridenstine spent nine years as a pilot on active duty in the U.S. Navy initially flying E-2 Hawkeyes and then transitioning to F-18 Hornets. During his 21 month term at TASM, he brought many military aircraft to Tulsa for spring break camps and events such as Oklahoma Defender Days and the QuikTrip Air and Rocket Racing Show. Bridenstine will still support the museum with these types of events on a volunteer basis.
When Bridenstine leaves the museum at the end of August, the TASM Board of Directors will appoint an interim executive director while they conduct a process to select an official replacement. The interim executive director has not been named at this time.
Updated 08-18-2010
Back to Top
READER COMMENTS
Back to Top
Contact GTR News
