Four separate space shuttle missions define the career of Dominic Lee Pudwill Gorie, a veteran pilot who transitioned from combat flight operations to orbital exploration. Accumulating over 6,000 flight hours across 35 different aircraft types, his transition from naval aviation to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration marked a shift toward high-stakes scientific and logistical space operations.
Early Life and Naval Education
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 1957, Gorie relocated to Pinecrest, Florida, where he graduated from Miami Palmetto High School in 1975. He pursued higher education at the United States Naval Academy, focusing on ocean engineering and graduating in 1979. He later expanded his academic credentials by earning a master of science degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee Space Institute in 1990.
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Gorie became a Naval Aviator in 1981, initially flying the A-7E Corsair II with Attack Squadron 46 while stationed on the USS America. By 1983, he began piloting the F/A-18 Hornet for Strike Fighter Squadron 132. After completing training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1987, he served at the Naval Air Test Center. During Operation Desert Storm, he was deployed with VFA-87 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, completing 38 combat missions. His naval career concluded with his retirement in September 2005.
NASA Career and Space Missions
In 1994, the space agency selected Gorie as an astronaut candidate. His first space flight occurred in 1998 as the pilot for mission STS-91. He returned to orbit in 2000, again serving as pilot for STS-99. In 2001, he moved to the commander seat for mission STS-108, which involved a transit to the International Space Station. His final space flight, STS-123, took place in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Lake Charles
- Citizenship: United States
- Military Rank: Captain
- Carrier Landings: Over 600
- Combat Missions: 38
- Education: University of Tennessee; U.S. Naval Academy
- NASA Awards: Distinguished Service Medal (2009)
- Residence: Salida, Colorado
Questions readers ask
How many combat missions did Gorie fly?
He flew 38 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm.
When did Gorie retire from the U.S. Navy?
He retired from active naval service in September 2005.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of Tennessee, United States Naval Test Pilot School and United States Naval Academy
- Worked as military officer and astronaut
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