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- On Monday,
February 3rd, Vice Admiral Lautenbacher sent a message to NASA Administrator
Sean O’Keefe in sympathy for the loss of the seven astronauts
aboard space shuttle Columbia:
“Personally, and on behalf of everyone at NOAA, I offer our deepest
condolences on the loss of the crew of the space shuttle Columbia. We
join the entire Nation in mourning the tragic loss of these heroes.
The seven astronauts will always hold a special place in our hearts
for their grit, service, and sacrifice in opening new frontiers from
which we will all ultimately benefit.
“The men and women of NOAA are particularly saddened in light
of the very close relationship and personal bonds between our two agencies.
I emphasize that the partnership between our two agencies has never
been stronger, and we stand ready to provide any additional service
and support you may need during this challenging period. Please know
that our thoughts and prayers are with you, the families of the valiant
Columbia crew, and the entire NASA family.”
- In a message
to NOAA staffers, Lautenbacher reaffirmed the close ties between the
two sister agencies. “We have been supporting and will continue
to support our friends at NASA with data and expertise as required.
The partnership between NOAA and NASA has never been stronger and will
remain so through this challenging period,” he wrote.
- Public
condolence books have also been placed at the Smithsonian’s National
Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
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