"I join the people of Maine in congratulating Lt. Cassidy on this momentous occasion. It is so exciting that a boy from York, Maine can grow up to be an astronaut. Lt. Cassidy will show the children of Maine that they can literally reach for the stars, and with hard work and dedication, that dream can come true," said Senator Collins. "Lt. Cassidy has already had an impressive career in the Navy. I'm sure Mainers will enjoy following him on this next thrilling adventure of his career."
Lt. Cassidy grew up in York where he played basketball at York High School. He also attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master's degree in Ocean Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lt. Cassidy is now 34-years-old and a Navy SEAL based in Norfolk, Virginia. After the September 11th attacks, he did two tours of duty in Afghanistan and earned a Bronze Star for his service.
A NASA biography of Cassidy quotes him saying, "I hope to be the next guy on the moon." Cassidy was inspired to become an astronaut by another Navy SEAL turned astronaut, Bill Shepherd, a veteran of four space flights.
NASA says the members of the 2004 astronaut class may help develop the Crew Exploration Vehicle, study the effects of microgravity on the human body, and possibly even help plan the first lunar missions. The class will begin training this summer at NASA''s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The event announcing this new class of astronauts will take place at the new National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia.
Lt. Cassidy is married and has three children. His parents still reside in York.