From Fighter Pilot to being the Youngest Man to Walk on the Moon | Apollo 16

Become an AVC Patreon member to receive an annual calendar, early access to videos, exclusive content, and several other perks. This funding goes directly into helping us capture more incredible stories with our nation’s veterans: Upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1957, Charles Duke Jr. joined the United State Air Force. In 1958, he completed advanced training in F-86L aircraft at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, where he was a distinguished graduate. Duke then served three years at Ramstein Air Base in Germany as a fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. In 1965, Duke graduated from the Aerospace Research Pilot School, where he stayed on to serve as an instructor. He taught control systems and flying in the F-101, F-104, and T-33 aircraft. In April 1966, Duke was selected, along with 18 other astronauts, by NASA for Astronaut Group Five. In 1969, Due to his familiarity with the Lunar Module, Duke was asked to serve as CAPCOM for the Apollo 10 mission. He reprised the same role for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing and was the first voice to speak to Neil Armstrong as he stepped foot on the moon. On April 21, 1972 Duke got his chance to go into space and step foot on the moon serving as the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 16 mission. Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials in the Descartes region of the Moon. Duke retired from the Astronaut program in December 1975. He entered the Air Force Reserve and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1979. He retired in 1986. He has logged 4,147 hours of flying time, including 3,632 hours in jet aircraft. He has also logged 265 hours in space and over 21 hours of extravehicular activity. Video Credits: Interviewer - Greg Corombos Editor - Daniel Taksas Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker Learn more about the American Veterans Center: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Subscribe to our podcast: