Mojave in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Lt Col Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan USAF (ret)
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 22, 2025
1. "Dick" Rutan Marker
Lt Col Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan USAF (ret)
MISTY 40
July 1, 1938 - May 3, 2024
If you can dream it - you can do it!
Dick Rutans life was marked by courage, innovation, and a passion for flight. His contributions to aviation have left an indelible mark on our world. From his service in the U.S. Air Force to his record-breaking flights, including the first non-stop, non-refueled around-the-world flight. His legacy continue to inspire us all.
Dick was best know for Voyagers highly compromised non-stop unrefueled flight around the world in 1986. He was commander of the 9 day, 3 minute and 44 second milestone flight. Dick was awarded the prestigious Ivan C. Kincheloe Award and the coveted Collier Trophy. The Voyager is on permanent display in the Smithsonian National Air Space Museum.
During his military career, Dick flew 325 missions in Vietnam, 105 of them as a member of the Commando Sabre Forward Air Control, a high-risk operation commonly known as the MISTYs. Before retiring from the Air Force in 1978, Lt. Col. Rutan was awarded the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals and a Purple Heart.
Erected 2024.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space
this page online
Location. 35° 3.334′ N, 118° 9.49′ W. Marker is in Mojave, California, in Kern County. It is on Airport Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Located in Mojave Air & Space Port Legacy Park, across from the Cafe and the Control Tower. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16999 Airport Boulevard, Mojave CA 93501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, in the Mojave Desert, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wen Painter (here, next to this marker); Albert C. Hansen (here, next to this marker); Voyager Aircraft / Scaled Composites SpaceShipOne Replica (a few steps from this marker); Rotary Rocket Roton ATV (a few steps from this marker); Charles Thomas Chuck Coleman (within shouting distance of this marker); Mojave Air & Spaceport (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Marine Corps Air Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Golden Queen Mine Cart (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mojave.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 22, 2025
2. "Dick" Rutan Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 22, 2025
3. Lt Col Richard Glenn "Dick" Rutan USAF (ret) Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 22, 2025
4. SpaceShipOne Replica
Photographed by Denise Boose, May 21, 2017
5. SpaceShipOne
Located in the National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
Photographed by Denise Boose, May 21, 2017
6. Voyager Aircraft
Rutan Model 76 Voyager located in National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 26, 2025, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
