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Norman Black: Space Cadet
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Norm graduated from Crawford High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Astronomy from San Diego State University in June 1973. He also received a Master of Science degree in Physical Science (remote sensing) from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in May 1987. He received his commission in the United States Air force in 1973 and started his active duty career in September 1976. His professional military education included completion of Squadron Officer School in 1978, Air Command and Staff College in 1984, and Air War College in 1995.
Following his commission from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at San Diego State University, Lt Black was first assigned as a Satellite Signature Analyst with the 4690th Aerospace Intelligence Squadron, Cheyenne Mountain Complex, Colorado Springs, CO.
In May 1979, Capt Black was transferred to the 13th Missile Warning Squadron, Clear Air Force Station, Alaska. During his tour of duty he served both as Deputy Director and Director of Space Systems with the responsibility for the operations and management of the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Radar System.
After the one-year remote tour of duty in Alaska, Capt Black was assigned to headquarters 15th Air Force, March Air Force Base, CA. in May 1980. During this three-year assignment, he held numerous positions that included: Space Systems Staff Officer, Deputy Chief of Space Surveillance and Missile Warning Division; and Deputy Director and Director of Space Systems. His duties included providing staff assistance and technical expertise to the six assigned ground-based space sensors in the areas of operations and support.
In May 1983, Capt Black was assigned to the Manned Spaceflight Support Group; 1st manned Spaceflight Control Squadron at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. His duties included being NASA trained and certified in the space shuttle mission control positions of Thermal and Life Support for ascent, on-orbit, and entry flight phases. He was also the only Air Force officer to be NASA certified in the combined mission control position of Life Support and Thermal for on-orbit space shuttle flight operations. From July1986 through June 1987, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Air Force Space Shuttle Systems Division and was promoted to the rank of Major during this tour of duty with NASA.
In July 1987, through Air Force Space Command’s Vigilant Eagle program, Major Black was selected for assignment to the 16th Surveillance Squadron, Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska, as Director of Operations for the COBRA DANE phased array radar system. As Director of Operations, Major Black led the Operations Directorate to achieve an “Excellent” rating from Headquarters, Air Force Space Command.
After this second one-year remote assignment, Major Black was transferred to Air Force Special Projects, Operating Division-Four/DX, Onizuka Air Station, CA, in August 1988. During this assignment, Major Black held the positions of Lead Mission Director, Deputy Director of Operations, Director of Operations, Chief of Mission Control Complex-IX, and the first Commander for MCC-IX mission operations. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel on 1 March 1991.
In November 1994, Lt Col Black reported for duty to the Operational Support Office (OSO), National Reconnaissance Office, Washington, D.C.. He was appointed Director, Applications & Integration (A&I) Division within the OSO. After 18 months as Director of A&I, Lt Col Black was appointed to fill the Director’s position for the Operations and Exercise Support Division. Lt Col Black was promoted to the rank of Colonel on 1 June 1997.
Colonel Black reported to U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) in July 1997. He held the position of Vice Division Chief of the Space Control & Information Operations Division and Chief of the Space Operations Branch. In 1999 he was appointed Chief of the newly formed Space Exploitation and Force Enhancement Division within the USSPACECOM Operations Directorate.
During his military career, Colonel Black earned the Master Space Badge and his military decorations include: the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Colonel Black retired from the Air Force in August 2001 and has worked for Booz Allen and Hamilton as a space systems consultant; and currently works for Master Solutions supporting Air Force Space Command in maintaining and upgrading the worldwide space surveillance ground-based radars and optical tracking sites.
Norm is married to the former Kathleen Laura Bender; they have two children, 13 year old daughter, Heather, and 10 year old son, Kevin. Colorado Springs, CO is home for the Black family.
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