Team Leader of the Training Department

Hugh W. McNeese

(1929 - 2008)

Hugh  completed 40 years in the military, and aerospace industry prior to his retirement in 1988 from Rockwell International. He was born in Sherman where he finished 3 years of Pre-Med. at Austin College. He served in the United States Navy for nine years as an Aviation Electronics Technician. After he was discharged  he earned  his  B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Southern California. 

  Hugh  worked 3 1/2 years at Hughes Aircraft Company training U.S. Air Force personnel in the operation and maintenance of the F-106 avionics systems.

In 1961 he left Hughes Aircraft to work at the Aircraft Division of North American Aviation on the U.S. Air Forces' XB-70. One year later, after the XB-70 was canceled, he transferred to the Space Division's Apollo Logistics Training Department where his primary assignment was to develop, maintain, and implement Training Programs on the Apollo Spacecraft systems for the NASA astronauts, flight controllers, systems engineers, launch pad engineers and technicians, and administrative personnel. 

He was the recipient of many commendations and awards. Those he is most proud of consist of the Astronauts Personal Achievement Award (Snoopy) presented to him by Astronaut Al Worden and commendations from Astronaut Frank Borman, NASA Administrator Thomas Paine, and Astronaut Neil Armstrong.

Hugh was a member of the Masonic Lodge Travis # 117, A.F.& A.M. in Sherman, Texas. He was also active in the National Management Association for 25 years and held many offices including President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

note: Mr. Hugh W. McNeese passed away at age 79 on December 30, 2008.