KSC Director Jim Kennedy to retire

Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy today announced his intention to retire from NASA at the beginning of 2007 after more than three decades of government service.

"I have 35 years of government service, and I do not regret one day of those 35 years, especially the last three years as director of our Kennedy Space Center," Kennedy told workers at the NASA Launch Complex 39 Press Site.

Kennedy's retirement will be effective Jan. 1, 2007. NASA Administrator Michael Griffin will announce a replacement later this year, probably around November, Kennedy said.

Kennedy said he has no immediate plans after Jan. 1. He and his wife, Bernadette, will continue to reside in Cocoa Beach, he said.