Background
Helms, Susan Jane was born on February 26, 1958 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Daughter of Patrick Gibson and Doris Ann (Platt) Helms.
Astronaut career military officer
Helms, Susan Jane was born on February 26, 1958 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Daughter of Patrick Gibson and Doris Ann (Platt) Helms.
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, United States Air Force Academy, 1980. Master of Science in Aero./Astronautics, Stanford University, 1985.
Commissioned lieutenant United States Air Force, 1980, advanced through grades to major general, 2009. Weapons separation engineer United States Air Force Armament Laboratory, 1980-1982, lead engineer weapons separation, 1982-1984. Assistant professor aeronautical United States Air Force Academy, 1985-1987.
Student United States Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, California, 1988. F-18 flight test engineer Aeronautical Engineering Test Establishment, CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, 1989-1990. Astronaut National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center, Houston, 1991—2002.
Vice Commander 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, Commander, 2006—2009. Deputy director operations Air Education & Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Director plans & policy (J-5) United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Offutt Air Force Base, since 2009.
Member American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Women Military Aviators, United States Air Force Academy Association Graduates, Stanford Alumni Association.