Boeing Statement on Death of NASA Systems Vice President Mike Mott

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 22, 2005 – Mike Mott, Boeing Vice President and General Manager of the NASA Systems business unit passed away on Saturday, Nov. 19, following a courageous battle with cancer.

“Mike will be remembered for his strong leadership, his patriotism and service to his country, his unfailing support of the U.S. space program and his commitment to family, friends, coworkers and customers,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. “All of us at IDS are deeply saddened by his untimely death and offer our sympathy to his family and many friends around the world.”

Mike was an ardent supporter of NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration and firmly committed to ensuring a safe Space Shuttle return to flight, full assembly of the International Space Station, return to the Moon, and future missions to Mars and other destinations.

Prior to joining Boeing in July 1998, he was associate deputy administrator for NASA, where he provided management direction and technical coordination of NASA programs, and operational planning for the agency’s aeronautical and space activities. He chaired the NASA Space Operations Management Council and the Space Transportation Council and served on other councils and boards.

Before joining NASA, Mott was the director for new initiatives and concept development for the Space Division of General Research Corporation, where he led business development, strategic planning, and marketing activities, including research and development investments.

“Mini” Mott served in the U.S. Marine Corps in a variety of operational and staff assignments throughout the United States and the Western Pacific. A graduate of the United States Naval Test Pilot School, he had extensive experience in Research Development Test & Evaluation programs and flew in 89 major test projects. He was deputy director of the Technical Support Group for the deputy chief of Naval Operations (Naval Warfare) and also director of the Aviation Development Tactics and Evaluation Department at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-One. Lieutenant Colonel Mott commanded Marine Aircraft Group 41 at Andrews Air Force Base just prior to his retirement from the United States Marine Corps.

Mike Mott was an Eagle Scout and was also the recipient of the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit Medal, among other service awards. He received a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at 2 p.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 18220 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael I. Mott Scholarship Fund at Battle Ground Academy, P. O. Box 1889, Franklin, TN 37065-1889, or the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 37, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.

Contact: Ed Memi
NASA Systems
(281) 226-4029
edmund.g.memi@boeing.com

Michael Irvine Mott
(Obituary)

Michael Irvine Mott (also known as “Mini”) passed away peacefully on November 19, 2005, following a valiant battle with cancer. Mike was a loving husband, father, son, Marine aviator, patriot, and Boeing aerospace executive.

He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 1, 1949. He graduated from Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and his Masters of Science degree from the University of Southern California. An Eagle Scout, Mike received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by the National Eagle Scout Association.

Mike retired from the U. S. Marine Corps in 1991 having served for 20 years in a variety of operational and staff assignments throughout the United States and the Western Pacific. A graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School, he had extensive experience in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation programs and participated in and flew in 89 major test projects. He was deputy director of the Technical Support Group for the deputy chief of Naval Operations (Naval Warfare) and also Director of the Aviation Development Tactics and Evaluation Department at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. He also commanded Marine Aircraft Group 41 at Andrews Air Force Base.

Following his Marine Corps career, Mike was named Associate Deputy Administrator for NASA, where he provided management direction and technical coordination of NASA programs and operational planning for the agency’s aeronautical and space activities.

At the time of his death, Mike served as Vice President and General Manager of NASA Systems for Boeing Aerospace and was responsible for the strategic direction of Boeing’s civil space programs.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy, son Michael, and daughter Ashley. He is also survived by his mother, Edith W. Mott, and brother, William R. Mott. His father, Charles R. Mott, Jr, preceded him in death.

Mike was passionate and committed to whatever he pursued. He brought laughter to his family and friends and will be greatly missed by everyone who ever knew him.

The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, December 3 at 12:30 pm. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston on Tuesday, November 29 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael I. Mott Scholarship Fund at Battle Ground Academy, P. O. Box 1889, Franklin, TN 37065-1889, or the Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 37, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046.