The U.S. Naval Academy has long been a proving ground for some of the most accomplished leaders in the military, government, and beyond. One of its Notable Graduates is Nicole Aunapu Mann, a Marine Corps Colonel and NASA astronaut whose career exemplifies excellence, perseverance, and dedicated service to our nation.
Mann, a California native, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialty in Fluid Mechanics from Stanford University in 2001. Then in 2003, Mann earned her wings of gold as a naval aviator. She reported to VFA-106 for fleet training in the F/A-18C and launched her flying career the next year in Beaufort, South Carolina, with the Thunderbolts of VMFA-251. With this group, Mann deployed twice aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and flew combat missions with Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Her skill and dedication led her to the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where she further honed her expertise in aviation and aeronautical systems, graduating in Class 135 from U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland, in 2009. Following this, she commenced her Developmental Test tour at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) as an F/A-18 Test Pilot/Project Officer, where she performed a number of pilot training flight tests, including loads envelope expansion, flying qualities, carrier suitability, and ordnance separation in the F/A-18A-F. Mann became the VX-23 operations officer in the spring of 2011.
She achieved an extraordinary career as a Marine Corps aviator, proving herself as an elite pilot and earning the rank of colonel. Over the years, Mann amassed more than 2,700 flight hours in 25 types of aircraft, completed 200 carrier landings, and flew 47 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. These experiences ultimately paved the way for her selection as a NASA astronaut in 2013, marking the beginning of her journey into space exploration.
In July 2012, Colonel Mann was selected as an astronaut candidate. She was assigned to PMA-281 as the Joint Mission Planning System – Expeditionary (JMPS-E) Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead and became part of the 21st NASA astronaut class of eight people the following year. While there, she studied International Space Station systems, spacewalks, Russian language training, robotics, physiological training, T-38 flight training, and water and wilderness survival training.
She went on to hold a number of important roles within NASA, serving as the T-38 Safety and Training Officer and as the Assistant to the Chief Astronaut for Exploration, where she led the astronaut corps in the development of the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System, and Exploration Ground Systems for missions to the Moon.
Related: USNA Notable Graduate: Wendy B. Lawrence
On October 5, 2022, however, Mann reached another noteworthy milestone when she launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-5 mission aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, Endurance. She would stay there as part of Expedition 68 for more than five months, returning home on March 11th.
While in space, Crew-5 helped conduct hundreds of important experiments and technology demonstrations, including studying cardiovascular health, bioprinting, and fluid behavior in microgravity; this work was designed to pave the way for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, as well as to enhance life on Earth. Mann also conducted two spacewalks and performed upgrades to the space station’s solar arrays, racking up fourteen hours and two minutes outside the station. As the robotic arm operator, she also helped facilitate two spacewalks and captured the NG-18 cargo resupply spacecraft, S.S. Sally Ride.
For her work with the Marine Corps and with NASA, Colonel Mann has received a number of important accolades, including the following:
She is also a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Tailhook Association, U.S. Naval Test Pilot School Alumni Association, and the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association.
Related: USNA Notable Graduate: Kayla Barron
Colonel Mann is just one of many extraordinary leaders to emerge from the U.S. Naval Academy, including some of the most decorated military officers, naval astronauts, political leaders, and innovators in history. These individuals exemplify the Academy’s commitment to shaping leaders who will serve the nation with honor, courage, and commitment. Their accomplishments not only inspire current midshipmen but also reinforce the importance of a strong military foundation in shaping the future of national defense, technology, and space exploration.
Visiting the U.S. Naval Academy is more than just an opportunity to witness history, it’s a chance to support the midshipmen who are training to become the next generation of leaders. Whether you’re exploring the rich heritage at the Naval Academy Museum, attending a formal parade, or cheering on a Navy athletic team, your presence is a reminder to these future officers that their hard work and dedication are appreciated.
The Yard is not just a place of tradition; it’s a living, breathing institution shaping the future of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. When you walk the grounds where leaders like Colonel Mann once trained, you’re standing at the crossroads of past, present and future military excellence.
So, the next time you visit Annapolis and step onto the Yard, take a moment to appreciate the incredible individuals who have walked these paths before, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Your visit not only honors their legacy but also supports the midshipmen who will one day shape the future of our nation and beyond.