by Rick D.
My Lockheed Martin story starts as a little
kid; I went to a Beale AFB open house with my family. I spotted the Blackbird, and
I instantly fell in love. I enlisted in the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic.
My first duty station was Beale AFB; I was only able to get close to the
aircraft I loved. I was at the retirement ceremony for the Blackbird and got to
hear and feel the sonic boom right over us. I was also part of the crew that
delivered the Blackbird for the Air Force Museum.
My next duty station was Kadena AB. Once
again I was where the Blackbird had been. I had my first experience dealing
with Lockheed Martin personnel. A team came out to refurbish our T-10 Hush
Houses. These great guys impressed me with their skill and craftsmanship. Next,
off to HAFB, where I worked on and fell in love with the F-16. I was deployed
many times to exotic places, and always felt secure we had our birds there that
would go out hunting and get some.
Off to England, RAF Lakenheath, once again
the Blackbird had been right down the street. I feel like I chased the
Blackbird all over the world, even if it was after it retired. Now I am a
Lockheed Martin employee, I am happy to be part of the company that will see
our country’s defense will be well prepared for whatever comes our way in the
future.
