The Hill profiles freshman Utah Rep. Chris Stewart, whose name was in the history books even before his election to Congress last year.
Many members of Congress hope that their names will make it into the history books. But freshman Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) has already accomplished that goal, albeit outside the political arena. He has three world speed records and plenty of books to his name.
Stewart is an Air Force veteran, and a former Rockwell B-1B Lancer pilot, or “bone driver.” In 1995, Stewart helped plan and execute a mission code-named “Coronet Bat,” which saw a flight of the swing-wing bombers launch from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, and fly nonstop around the world in 36 hours and 13 minutes.
The operation set the speed records for fastest nonstop flights around the world overall, the fastest flight in the B-1B’s weight class and the fastest around-the-world flight for planes capable of aerial refueling. It even won the Mackay Trophy, which is given for “most meritorious flight of the year.” Those accolades were a bonus, though.
Read more: Utah Policy – A Look at Chris Stewart s Interesting Resume
