by Robert H.
As a child in Marietta, Georgia, I watched
B-29s flying from the "Bell Bomber Plant" for test and delivery. I
thought that I would like to do that myself. Several years later, in 1951,
Lockheed was asked to reopen the plant to build the B-47 Boeing Stratojet bomber,
followed soon by a contract to build the new transport known as the C-130A
Hercules. I started work for Lockheed-Georgia (GELAC) in May 1951. I was the 1,068th
person to clear in through the medical center. My first job was as a
storekeeper, followed by a steady upward trend through many several hourly jobs.
In 1957, I was made a flight line supervisor, followed by promotion to flight
engineer in the flight operations department. I moved up to co-pilot, pilot,
instructor pilot, C-5A assistant project pilot, C-130 project pilot and chief
pilot for production and delivery. I retired in February 2007 with 55 years and
ten months total service with the now Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. My childhood
wish was granted!
