by James K.
I worked for Lockheed
Shipbuilding and Construction Company from April 1969 until the plant closed in
1987. During most of the 1970s, West Coast shipbuilding was booming. We
constructed everything from large Navy support ships to a space cargo transport
system for Lockheed Missiles and Space Company.
My specific
responsibility was testing completed structural and mechanical systems and near
the end of my service, maintaining the plans and schedules for the test and
trials organization. The closing of the shipyard was a difficult time for us,
but the economics of shipbuilding had moved to the Gulf and the East Coast.
I was one of
the employees chosen to "lock" the gates, but received an excellent
job offer a few months prior to closing and chose to leave early. I enjoyed my
time with the company and still have friendships with several former co-workers. Had the plant not closed I surely would have
completed my working days with the company.
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| I enjoyed my time with these wonderful ships. |
