Yeah, they knew the astronauts would all be public figures by default, and they didn't want someone who might haul off and tell Charles Collingwood or Frank Reynolds to f off on live TV.
“. . .who might haul off and tell Charles Collingwood or Frank Reynolds to f off on live TV”
Way back, EARLY 80’s, I was flying the A-10 in the UK, out of RAF Bentwaters.
Chuck was in the UK as some sort of tour/event.
Watched him on Good Morning Britain (I think. . .) and the interviewer was being all snarky to him and tried to guilt him (don’t recall over what, exactly, but had to do with shooting people down). Remember, this was back in the day with President Reagan and the UK media was all lefty all the time—like it is today)
Chuck paused for a moment and said, “forty-years ago I left England hating this place. . .I can see I am justified to still hate this place.”
Live TV. It was hilarious!
Can’t find a video, but it certainly was a “f off on live TV” moment.
He did drop by many US Air Force bases, mine included, tough guy, no nonsense. A real man. Good guy.