Sunita Williams

Graduated from Needham High School in 1983, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, currently a NASA astronaut

What is Sunita Williams known for?

Sunita Lyn Williams, a notable astronaut, United States Navy officer, and an early record holder for most spacewalks by a woman, was born on September 19, 1965 in Euclid, Ohio. She earned the nickname "Suni" in the United States and "Sončka" in Slovenia. Over her career, Williams has spent a total of 321 days 17 hours and 15 minutes in space, participating in seven extravehicular activities (EVAs), commonly known as spacewalks, clocking a total of 50 hours and 40 minutes.

Williams is a native of Needham, Massachusetts although she was born in Euclid, Ohio. She was raised in a family with Indian-American and Slovene-American heritage, which she proudly represented during her career in space. Her early education was completed at Needham High School, graduating in 1983. She then went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy in 1987, and later earned a Master of Science degree in engineering management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1995.

Williams served as a notable figure in the United States Navy, being commissioned as an ensign in May 1987. She was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1989, and made overseas deployments to various regions, including the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and the Persian Gulf. Not only did she contribute to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort, but she also aided in relief operations for Hurricane Andrew in Miami, Florida in 1992. These experiences led her to train at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and later embark on a remarkable career with NASA.

During her time in space, Williams was assigned to the International Space Station as a member of Expedition 14 and 15. She served as a flight engineer on Expedition 32 and later as the commander of Expedition 33. She brought the Slovenian flag, a samosa, and Carniolan sausage to space, celebrating her diverse heritage. Her outstanding career and contributions to space exploration have made her one of the most notable alumni of Needham High School.

Further information can be found on Sunita Williams' Wikipedia page, and about her birthplace, Euclid, Ohio.