Port Columbus International (CMH) will now go by a new name.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed Senate Bill 159 into law this week, which renames Port Columbus International to John Glenn Columbus International.
John Glenn is an Ohio native known for his pioneering flights and space exploration. In 1962, while aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft, he became the first American to orbit Earth. Plus, in 1998, he became the oldest person to fly into space at the age of 77. He has earned various aviation accolades throughout his life, including NASA’s Ambassador of Exploration Award in 2006 and a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2012.
“Thank you to all of those who had a part in adding my name to this great airport. It’s a wonderful honor that wasn’t expected,” Glenn said. “My hope is that, because of this, some young people may possibly be inspired in their own time and place to make further advancements in aviation and space activity.”
The bill was introduced by House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger and was endorsed by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority’s Board of Directors.
“Glenn’s contributions to Ohio’s rich aviation history are inspirational, and I’m thrilled we’re honoring his legacy at the gateway to Columbus and our state,” says Susan Tomasky, CRAA board chair. “His career and life-long accomplishments will live on for generations, and there’s no better place to recognize him than at Ohio’s capital city airport.”
