Behind-the-Scenes Reconnaissance

At 77, I still enjoy these great memories

by Robert B.

I worked for Lockheed Aircraft Service Company from 1959 to 1976 at Idlewild Airport, New York, now known as the John F. Kennedy International Airport. Mr. Zinn was the president of Lockheed at the time. I was an aircraft structural mechanic, a specialist in sheet metal. I maintained the L-1049, which was an early warning aircraft the Navy and Air Force flew. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, we never left the base.

My biggest thrill while working at Lockheed was when the company won the contract for Air Force One, a Boeing 707. It was modified and painted to the specification of the Air Force, and was painted white, back and day glow. When the First Lady, Mrs. Kennedy, arrived to see the aircraft, she despised the colors and refused to fly in it, so the plane was put back in the barn, stripped and painted the color scheme it has today.

I am 77 years old, and can say I enjoyed working for Lockheed. These were the best years of my life.  

I'm celebrating too!