Background
Kelly, Mark E. was born on February 21, 1964 in Orange, New Jersey, United States. Son of Richard and Patricia Kelly.
Kelly, Mark E. was born on February 21, 1964 in Orange, New Jersey, United States. Son of Richard and Patricia Kelly.
Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation (with highest honors), United States Merchant Marine Academy, 1986. Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, United States Naval Postgraduate School, 1994.
Commissioned ensign United States Navy, 1986, advanced through grades to lieutenant Commander. With Attack Squadron 128, Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington, Attack Squadron 115, Atsugi, Japan. Combat pilot Persian Gulf, Operation Desert Storm.
Project test pilot Carrier Suitability Department, Strike Aircraft Test Squadron, Naval Air Warfe Center, Patuxent River, Maryland. Instructor pilot United States Naval Test Pilot School. Astronaut National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, since 1996, with Astronaut Office Computer Support Branch.
Pilot STS-108 Mission (Endeavor), 2001. Co-pilot STS-121 Mission (Discovery), a return-to-flight test mission and assembly flight to the International Space Station, 2006. Commander STS-124 Mission (Discovery),., mission to International Space Station to launch components to complete Japanese Kibo Laboratory, 2008.
Fellow: National Committee on United States China Relations. Member: United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association.
Married Amelia Victoria Babis (divorced). 2 children; Married Gabrielle Gifford, November 10, 2007 (deceased January 8, 2011).