Port Columbus International Airport could soon get a new name, honoring an Ohio-born hero known for his groundbreaking flights. If things progress as expected this week in the Statehouse, passengers will soon be flying out of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

Port Columbus International Airport could soon get a new name, honoring an Ohio-born hero known for his groundbreaking flights.

If things progress as expected this week in the Statehouse, passengers will soon be flying out of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

What better tribute, some say, for the decorated Marine Corps and Air Force aviator who flew in two wars, broke the transcontinental speed record in 1957 as a test pilot and in 1962 became the first American to orbit the earth.

"I can't think of a more fitting honor," said Dale Butland, a veteran Democratic strategist who worked with Glenn in the U.S. Senate for 20 years in roles including press secretary and Ohio chief of staff.

Combining his wartime record, exploits in the early space program, political record as the state's only four-term senator, and business career, "he's led a pretty extraordinary life," Butland said.

"And on top of all that he's just a very nice person. I don't think I ever met anyone who handled fame better than John Glenn."

House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, has spearheaded the effort to honor Glenn, 94, who returned to space in 1998 at age 77 aboard the shuttle Discovery, making him the oldest person in space.

"I believe it is only fitting to rename the Port Columbus International Airport after him for his countless contributions to space exploration and to Ohio's rich aviation history," Rosenberger said. "There is no doubt that John Glenn is an American hero, and I am honored that we are taking steps to further secure his legacy here in our great state."

The speaker has talked to the Columbus mayor's office about the change and Mayor Andrew Ginther is on board.

"We think it is a fitting tribute as someone who has led the way in travel and adventure," said Ginther spokeswoman Robin Davis. "We are working out the details."

Airport name changes are not common, but they do occur. The airport in Wichita, Kansas was renamed the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in 2015. Earlier this month, the Bob Hope Airport in California was changed to the Hollywood Burbank Airport.

Port Columbus was named when it opened in 1929, and the "international" was added in 1965. Angie Tabor, spokeswoman for Port Columbus, said the board has not been informed of a name change and has not yet discussed it.

Glenn, a short-lived 1984 presidential candidate, has seen his name honored elsewhere, including the high school in his hometown of New Concord, the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State University, and roadways in multiple states.

The House plans to attach the name change to a Senate-passed license plate bill that is likely to be among a wave of bills that pass this week before lawmakers break for the summer.

The Ohio Senate voted unanimously last week to recognize Glenn's wife, Annie Glenn, a speech therapy advocate, by designating Feb. 17th as "Annie Glenn Communication Disorders Awareness Day."

jsiegel@dispatch.com

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