The Remarkable F-117

Our stealth technology proved out

by David F.

Prior to my current assignment to the F-22 program, I worked on the F-117 out of Palmdale, California. While there, Derek Kaufman of the 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs published an article on Air Force Online News on March 10, 2008. In it, he recounts the remarkable story of Major General Greg Feest, on the first night of Desert Storm and how they held their breath waiting for each F-117 return, and then their realization that stealth really works! 

Seeing the Forest and the Trees

I was part of a wonderful Lockheed family

by Sharon T.

I was 19, and had just finished college. In May 1961, started working for Lockheed in Burbank, California. I started at $1.92 cent an hour, and most of my friends were earning $1.25 an hour at that time. The facility was huge! I was sent to Lockheed’s very own hospital for my physical health checkup. The company also had its own fire department. We were a family!

I started working in the arts and publications department. I worked there off and on for 30 years. I bought my first new car, got married, had my baby and grew up while working for Lockheed. I actually grew up with all the same people with whom I started in 1961. I was there until the doors closed.

I learned so much, more than you can imagine. I experienced the proud completion of many Government programs. I treasure those years, and have remained friends with many of the people with whom I worked along the way. Thank you, Lockheed Martin, for letting me be a part of something so very wonderful.

The Lockheed Star

Right from the Start

We served our customers with total commitment

by Duane L.

I retired from Lockheed in January 1995. I was the lead electrician on the MC-130E, 64-0566. I am proud of my crew who did such a great job. I am also proud of my work on Navy’s S-3A trainer. I also worked on the L-1011 and many other aircraft. We did our job and we did it right.

Before Pearl Harbor

We found my father’s original badge and an uncashed check

by Susan Ross McN.

From the early to the present-day Lockheed Martin, the company has been a part of our family. Walter, my father, started working for the Glenn L. Martin Company in 1940, and the company employed him until he retired in 1982. After his death, we discovered his original Martin "star" badge and an uncashed payroll check for ten cents. We donated these items, as well as some other Martin memorabilia, to the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum in Baltimore..

Following my graduation from Kenwood High School in 1955, I was employed in the nuclear division and later in the presentations department. My husband, James, started working for the company in 1956 in the nuclear division. His employment continued on and off, until his retirement in 1994. We are both proud to be associated with Lockheed Martin.

We donated my father's "star" badge to the museum.

Keeping the Peace

I am proud of my work and my team

by Bobby E.

After 30 years in the United States Air Force, I started working at Martin Marietta in October 1985. My first experience in test engineering was at the plant in Littleton, Colorado. I was sent by the director of the IFSS Peacekeeper to work in test operations, and shortly thereafter, I became a test conductor for that system. After 18 months, the program was certified, and I became a test conductor for Defense Systems. I worked on classified satellites until 1997, and then worked on the Titan Centaur. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the professionals in every aspect of test engineering and will always remember, with the pride, the accomplishments of the test team.

Hired in 1936

I worked in aviation’s “Golden Age”

By Robert H.

I was born on February 25, 1914, and I am now 99 years old. I was the recipient of two scholarships. One was a Pittsburgh Honor Scholarship of $150 a year from Central Catholic High School; the other was from  the State of Pennsylvania of $100 a year. I was able to enroll at Carnegie Institute of Technology where the tuition was $300 a year. I majored in mechanical aeronautics and was selected to three honor societies.

I was hired by the Glenn L. Martin Company in June 1936 as a junior stress engineer at 62-1/2 cents an hour ($110 per month). I worked on the structures on all Martin planes during my tenure. I eventually became chief structural engineer.

At age 53, I left Martin to join Goddard Space Flight Center to work on satellites. I retired at age 65. I enjoyed all my work.

Martin's China Clipper

It Was the Greatest Company Ever

Nearly my whole family worked at Lockheed-California

by John McE.

I had the privilege of working at Lockheed-California Company in Burbank. Several family members, including two cousins, Estalee and Roberta; my brother, Gene and his wife; and two sisters, Bonnie and Carol, all worked there. Added up, our Lockheed legacy is more than 150 years!

I hired in at the B-1 Plant as a sandblaster, working on parts for the L-1011, the C-130 and the C-5A. I was laid off for a short season, and I was then called back to work as a security officer in both the “white and dark worlds.” I worked mostly in classified programs and was required to have a Security Clearance for the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117 Nighthawk and the F-22 Raptor. I worked for Chief Peavy and Director Ken Mims.

I worked as much time as I could, and when the company left Burbank and moved to Georgia, I was laid off. All of the guys who had more seniority said, “Mac, we are really sorry to see you go because you taught us all how to work overtime.” A lot of days were double shift.

I want to say I really enjoyed my tenure with Lockheed beyond description.