Astronaut with longest time in space to speak March 21 at Freedom Museum in Manassas

Retired US Army Col. Jeffrey N. Williams and NASA astronaut will speak at the Freedom Museum about the NASA space program and its future on Tuesday, March 21,  at 7:30 p.m. Col. Williams joined NASA in 1996 and set a record in space on his fourth mission to the space station as the American who has spent the longest time in space.

A Wisconsin native, g, Williams graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1980 and became an Army Aviator in 1981.  After service in Germany, he earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and was selected for assignment to the Johnson Space Flight Center. 

So far, during four missions to the International Space Station, Col. Williams has logged a record of more than 534 days in space, including nearly 32 hours in five spacewalks.  In July 2002, he commanded a nine-day coral reef expedition off the coast of Florida.

Col. Williams retired from active duty in 2007 after more than 27 years of service, is married, has two sons and three grandchildren.

The Freedom Museum is located in the Terminal Building at the Manassas Regional Airport, 10600 Harry Parrish Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110.  The event is from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.