Senator Pete Dominici arriving at the NRAO's Array Operation Center in Socorro, NM by helicopter, courtesy New Mexico Air National Guard

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(l-r) Dr. Peter Littlewood,

Dr. Ethan Schreier,

Dr. Fred Lo, Senator Pete Dominici, Dr. Van Romero

Dr. Van Romero, Vice President, New Mexico Tech, opening the ceremonies.

Dr. Ethan Schreier

President,

Associated Universities, Inc.

Dr. Fred Lo, Director, NRAO, thanks Senator Dominici for his years of support to the NRAO and science in NM

Dr. Fred Lo welcomes the honored guest, NM Senator Pete Dominici, to Socorro.

New Mexico Senator Pete Dominici addresses those in attendance at the re-dedication ceremonies.

(l-r) Dr. Fred Lo, Dr. Ethan Schreier, Senator Pete Dominici,  Dr. Peter Littlewood.

 

 

Senator Pete Dominici reminisces about the initial 1973 funding request for the Very Large Array and how it matured into the world's most premier instrument for radio astronomy.  Announcing his retirement from the U.S. Senate after 36 years, Senator Dominici also gave his constituents in attendance a heartfelt "goodbye."

The Senator receives a standing ovation following his remarks, and likely his last public appearance in Socorro as U.S. Senator.

Senator Dominici visits with current AUI President, Dr. Schreier (left), and past President Dr. Hughes (rear)

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the black tarp was explosively dropped (left), revealing the newly dedicated name of the NRAO building: Pete V. Dominici Science Operations Center.

Senator Dominici visiting with those in attendance and taking the time to acknowledge special friends over the years that have helped bring world class science facilities to the State of New Mexico.

Many of the special guests were treated to a helicopter tour of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory (MRO) under construction

Dr. Fred Lo, Director, NRAO, returns from the helicopter tour of the MRO.

Dr. Van Romero, NMT (left)

Dr. Ethan Schreier, President, AUI (right)