10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and
“Steve is a graduate of Villanova University with a degree in Economics with minors in Marketing and Math. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force to attend Officer Training School. Following his commission, he attended Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). After receiving his Silver Wings, then Lt. Kearney volunteered for a tour in Vietnam where he flew 278 combat missions and was awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 14 Air Medals.
Following his tour in Vietnam Steve was an instructor at UPT Moody AFB in South Georgia before he left active duty. Upon returning to civilian life Steve was hired by Eastern Air Lines where he flew until its demise in 1989. He then flew for FedEx until his retirement in 2006. Concurrent with his civilian aviation career Steve continued flying fighters for the Georgia Air National Guard.
During this period he flew F100s, F105s, F-4s and F-15 aircraft and as he rose in rank he was placed in positions of greater responsibility. Steve served as Chief of Weapons & Tactics, Squadron Operations Officer, Squadron Commander, Deputy Commander of Operations, Deputy Commander of Maintenance and finally the Command of an F-15 Fighter Wing. After a 3 year command tour, then Brig Gen Kearney was posted to Langley AFB, VA as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of Air Combat Command, where he received his second star. Major General Kearney retired in 1998 after 32 years of service and at his retirement he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
Steve and [his wife] Susan initially retired to St George Island, FL where they became immersed in the community, participating in the Volunteer Fire Department, Humane Society, Civic Club and other charitable organizations. They lived in the St. George Plantation and Steve was elected to 2 3-year terms of office on their Board of Directors and served as President for two terms.”
They are now are enjoying life in Nassau County, Florida.
