by Thomas R.
In February 1956, I submitted
an application to Rohr Aircraft and to Convair, both located in San Diego,
California. Rohr offered me a job as a spot weld processor at $1.48 an hour. In
April of that same year, Convair requested an interview and offered me a
position paying $1.52 an hour. I accepted the offer and terminated my
employment at Rohr for a wage increase of four cents per hour and the
convenience of less travel time to and from my home.
While working the night
shift, I came close to losing my hand in an accident. I was taken to the
medical station where the doctor applied stitches. Our department was leading
in "no loss-time due to injuries." I requested to stay at work, and my
department allowed me to stay.
Sometime between 1957 and
1958, Convair was acquired by General Dynamics. The Astronautics Division was
established to manufacture the Atlas missile. The factory was located north of
San Diego, just off Highway 395. I worked in the manufacturing area, which fabricated
the nose section of the Atlas. I wanted to be the best at my job, and I was.
After three years, I felt as
if I needed more challenges. I enrolled in school and requested authorization from
my supervisor to speak with employment regarding openings in other departments.
I always approached my supervisor every two weeks when paychecks were
distributed. After all, everyone felt good on payday. Approximately one year
later, Mr. Long approved my request for an interview. After several offers, I accepted
a position in procurement; working directly with experienced buyers who had college
degrees. That experience changed my life, improving my vocabulary, writing and people
skills. It was a great new life.
In March 1964, work began
to slow, and I was promoted to buyer. The Fort Worth division had recently been
awarded a contract developing the F-111, and that work sounded interesting. One
day at lunch, I asked my supervisor-about the possibility of a transfer to the
F-111 program. He advised that my job was "safe." However, I asked if
he would look into the transfer.
In April 1964, my transfer
was authorized. Not long after, I was promoted to senior buyer, then to technical
buyer and then to purchasing agent. I thought, "What a wonderful world." Years later, I retired in 1987.
After retiring a month or so later, I thought, "Is this it?" I didn't know what to do with all the time
I had, and things were looking pretty grim. I decided to contact the vice
president of material with whom I had developed a good rapport over the years.
I asked him if there was anything that I could do for the company. Two months
later, I was in Taiwan working with the Chinese on that country’s fighter
aircraft. I ended my service in 1989 and felt better about retirement!
Thank you for allowing me
to share my story. It was a fun trip down memory lane!
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| The F-111 Aardvark |
