Vought Aircraft Industries Retiree Club

Vol. 20
October – December 2015
President’s Message
Larry Skinner
I hope you all had a very enjoyable
Thanksgiving/Christmas/Holiday
Season, and are now looking forward
to a great year in 2016! Every one of us has many
things to be thankful for -- with family, friends, and
freedom being some of the most important. And of
course, we should all be very grateful to our men
and women in uniform who are protecting the
American way of life and everything we value.
We need them now more than any time in recent
history, and should all pray for them every day.
Another thing I’m very thankful for is that I was
privileged to have known and worked with Hank
Merbler. We were all surprised at his sudden
passing at age 95, but hey, he had a wonderful
family and career, and just led a great life! What
more could any of us hope for? When I chatted
with him at the VAHF Restoration Center (Bldg.
32) the week before he was hospitalized, I
remember thinking how sharp his mind was and
how “spry” his movements still were. I visited him
in the hospital a few days before his passing, and
even in a severely weakened condition, he smiled
through the oxygen mask, called me by name, and
thanked me for coming. I’m also very thankful that
I got to see him one last time, and will always
cherish his memory.
Oh, by the way, at Hank’s memorial service, one of
Hank’s sons told us that his father was a work-aholic (that was certainly no surprise) and that he
once answered a phone call from a local radio
station that had a contest going on for one of their
sponsors, that being none other than Coca-Cola. All
Hank had to do was complete the phrase “Things go
better with __________?” Now, most everyone in
the world would have answered “Coke”, but not
Hank. He thought about it for a few seconds, and
answered “work!” His son told him “Oh, c’mon
Dad, are you serious?” Which prompted Hank to
No. 4
ask, “Did I win?” I don’t doubt for a minute that he
believed that things really did go better with work.
That’s about it for 2015! From all the volunteers at
the Vought Retiree Club, I hope you have a happy
and healthy New Year, and that we get to see you
sometime in the near future.
Larry
East Texas Chapter
Charles Boyd
Seventy-two (72) members and guests attended the
East Texas Chapter Christmas meeting at the Sky
Ranch facility in Van, Texas, on Tuesday,
December 8, 2015. This was a great time of fun,
food, and fellowship for all that attended.
Entertainment was provided by two Tyler
musicians, Rusty Honeycutt and Patrick Odom,
who played both Christmas music and a variety of
popular selections
New East Texas Chapter officers were elected to
serve our chapter for the next two years:
President -Cathy Linney
Vice President -Steve Herrick
Secretary -Diane Vogt
Treasurer -Charles Boyd
Sergeant-at-Arms -- Jim Linney
Past President -Wes Shamp
East Texas Chapter Officers being installed by Larry Skinner
Kristi Hammond provided news from the Texas
Trust Credit Union, and awarded door prizes to
lucky recipients and gifts to the attendees at the
December 8th East TX Chapter meeting.
If you would like more information about the East
Texas Chapter, please contact Diane Vogt, the club
secretary, at 903-383-7888.
Steve Herrick, VP; Jim Linney, Sergeant- at-Arms; Cathy
Linney, President
Editor’s Note: A big Thank You to Charles Boyd
for his service to the East Texas Chapter as
President, and for his continuing service as
Treasurer for the upcoming year!
In Memoriam
by Ann Christmas
Wes Shamp, Past President; Diane Vogt, Secretary; Charles
Boyd, Treasurer
The Retiree Club has been notified since our last
newsletter of the following deceased members. Our
sincere sympathy goes out to the families of those
listed. Each will be missed.
These officers will meet in January 2016 to plan
activities for the upcoming year.
Larry Skinner, President of the Vought Retiree
Club, installed the officers, and also provided an
update of news from that organization.
Jim Minge from Texas Trust Credit Union gave us
an update about opportunities with the Credit
Union. Jim was awarded a certificate of
appreciation for his support of the East Texas
Chapter.
Our thanks go out to Jim and Joyce Ross for
bringing the half-scale model F4U Corsair to the
meeting for our viewing enjoyment.
Kristi Hammond from the Texas Trust Credit Union
- Athens Branch awarded several door prizes to the
lucky winners, and also provided several gifts to our
attendees. We very much appreciate Kristi
Hammond and the Texas Trust Athens Branch!
George R. Williams – 10-10-14
Novella Yvonne Miller Comparin – 8-26-15
George Russell Tichenor – 9-28-15
Johnny Gambrell, Sr. – 10-1-15
Henry J. “Hank” Merbler – 10-4-15
Betty E. McBride – 10-9-15
Peter Nelson “Pete” Blount – 10-11-15
Frank Newby – 10-15-15
James Everett (Jim) McKelva – 10-19-15
Doyle Landers – 10-27-15
Helen Ruth Hammond – 11-5-15
Tommy Charles Spillar – 11-9-15
Velma Lyle Burrow – 11-11-15
Dallas (Dal) Burrous – 11-19-15
Evelyn Smith Wray – 12-4-15
John Morton Ashinhurst, Jr. – 12-11-15
Peter Piccirillo – 12-17-15
Louis “Buddy” Francis, Jr. – 12-17-15
Renew your membership for 2016,
to continue getting your
Vought Retiree Club News!
Call the Club at (817) 478-1885
or Email: retireeclub@vought.org
membershiprc@vought.org
90th Birthday Celebrations at Building
32 – November 2015
On Tuesday, November 17, at 11:00 a.m., a
celebration was held in the Bldg. 32 Lunch Room in
recognition of Volunteers, those that reached 90
years of age, and the recently deceased.
Vynita Hutson honors those who reached the age of 90.
Chairman of Major Programs – Jim Hill
V.P. - Membership Assistant – Ann Christmas
foreground: Bill Privett and Pat OHara;
background: Oscar Murphy standing, Ray Neal (back to
camera), Reggie Robinson, Jim Walston, Stan Bullard,
Dillon Smith, and Pat Patterson (back to camera)
Stan Bullard, Dillon Smith, Earl Hastings (Painter), Paula
Hastings (Office & Hospitality), and Pat Patterson
Volunteers who have reached the age of 90 this past
year are Bob Essler, Carl Klapprott, Dave Morse,
and Norris Rogers.
Bob Szabados
Bob Essler
Jim Walston sampling
Don Branton’s homemade cake
Carl Klapprott & Dave Morse
Pat O’Hara, Bill Priest, Bob Essler, Wat Watkins, Earl
Hastings, Jim Hill, Dillon Smith, Frank Laubenthal,
Reggie Robinson, and Harold Lindsey.
Dave Morse & Norris Rogers
Hank Merbler Honored by Frontiers
of Flight Museum in Dallas
Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of the Frontiers of
Flight Museum in Dallas, put a rose on the V-173
Flying Pancake on Friday, October 9, 2015,
in memory and in honor of Hank Merbler.
After attending the memorial mass for Hank
Merbler on Friday, October 9, 2015, Ms. Cheryl
Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of the Frontiers of Flight
Museum in Dallas, sent a note in an email to Dick
Atkins –
Dick,
It was good to see you and all the crew today, even
though it was a sad day losing a great man.
His sons and several people told me to come back
and pat The Flying Pancake for Hank, so I did and
bought a red rose. Would you share the pictures for
me please?
I need to come bring doughnuts and see the new
shop. Cheryl
Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO
Frontiers of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Avenue
Dallas, TX 75209
V-173 Flying Pancake Restoration
The V-173 was built as a prototype technology
demonstrator for the XF5-U1, a high speed Navy
fighter developed in the 1940s that was capable of
short take-offs and landings. The aerodynamic
design is a version of a flying wing enhanced by the
large propellers located at the outer edges of the
wing. The XF5-U1 contract was cancelled in 1947
just before its first flight, so the V-173 was the one
and only article remaining for this endeavor.
The V-173 has a wing span of 23.5 feet and weighs
2750 pounds. It has two 80-HP piston engines
driving 16-foot diameter propellers through crossshafting and 90-degree gearboxes. It accommodated
a single pilot and had fixed landing gears.
The V-173 aircraft was built under a 1940 Navy
Contract, and made its first flight on November 23,
1942. Test flights continued until 1947 for a total
199 flights, totaling 131hours. The aircraft was put
in storage in 1947 at the Norfolk Virginia Naval Air
Station, where it spent part time parked outside in
the weather. In 1961, it was transferred to indoor
storage at a National Air and Space Museum
(NASM) of the Smithsonian Institution facility in
Silver Hill, Maryland.
In 2001, a Vought executive taking a tour of the
NASM facility spotted the V-173 in the storage
area. Immediately, discussions began to convince
NASM that Vought had the facilities and personnel
to perform an authentic restoration of one of the
most interesting aircraft ever built and certainly the
most unique produced by Vought. In 2003, NASM
approved the loan to the Vought Aircraft Heritage
Foundation for the restoration.
V-173 arrives at Vought Aircraft in its transport
box.
V-173 first flight on November 23, 1942 witnessed
by Hank Merbler – In 1942, Hank Merbler was the
Field Engineer at the Stratford Airport. Pilots were
proving the contract performance specifications on
the F4U in 1941 and 1942. On November 23, 1942,
with no advance notice, the V-173 appeared from
the hangar adjacent to the hangar for the F4U. The
V-173 had been in work, with no reports on
progress. It was a very “quiet” program. Hank was
watching, along with a group of fellows who were
on the F4U program. The V-173 was pulled out to
the runway. Charlie Zimmerman, designer of the
V-173, was talking with pilot Boone Guyton while
they were both walking to the V-173. (On the
previous day, Boone Guyton had made a test flight
in the F4U.) Boone Guyton climbed into the V-173,
and taxied down the runway for a short distance.
After a very short run, the V-173 seemed to jump up
at about 45 degrees, and rise into the air at a
surprising rate of climb. Hank guessed that at about
1,000 feet altitude, Boone began to fly nose high in
a generous circle one time, and then returned to
where he had taken off. His landing was unusual in
that he seemed to hang for a short time, maybe 10
feet off the ground, and suddenly but gently set
down (more like a helicopter, with a short run out).
Charlie Zimmerman was at the aircraft to greet
Boone as he climbed out from the cockpit – big
hugs with big smiles! (Hank Merbler lived about a
mile from the airport and his wife saw many flights;
Hank saw about 15 flights.)
After VAHF was given approval to restore the V173 aircraft, it was transported to the Vought
facility in Dallas, Texas, arriving November 1,
2003. The Pancake transportation saga began with
the development of a shipping program and design
of a shipping box. A giant blue box was fabricated
to protect the fragile airframe of the V-173 during
transport. The box was very large since the airplane
was built in a single section. The landing gear and
horizontal tails were removed to reduce the box
size. This left a 35 x 35 foot airframe box, which
challenged road clearances. This required the
airplane to be rotated 32 degrees from horizontal to
maximize top and side highway obstacle clearances.
A Vought team preceded the Chapman Trucking
Company box carrier to assure that the highway
path was safe and clear. The aircraft was showing
its age after fifty-four years of storage. The outer
skin fabric was torn and missing over large areas of
the surface. Fortunately, the wood truss structure
underneath was in good condition. There was small
damage to the right hand and left hand outer edges
of the wing. The aircraft was partially disassembled
but all of the parts came with the shipment to
Vought.
The V-173 came from NASM with a set of very
strict restoration requirements. Detailed instructions
and requirements described very specifically how
cleaning, preservation, fabric replacement, and
painting were to be conducted. NASM’s primary
goal is to restore their aircraft as close as possible to
original, as fabricated condition.
The V-173 was restored under the leadership of
Dick Guthrie and a dedicated team of retirees. Most
restoration was accomplished in a special fixture – a
large rotisserie – which permitted rotation of the
structure to service all sections of it. The rotisserie
fixture was a masterful design by Vought tool
designer Ray Neal, who was the sole designer and
led its fabrication. Test pilot Joe Angelone was the
leader for the restoration of the wooden propellers
and the paint scheme of many coats for the fabriccovered wing, resulting in the super-looking
picture-perfect V-173 that is now on display in the
Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX.
V-173 with its cloth outer skin in tatters after
decades of storage.
In the below photo, Hank is sewing the ceremonial
final stitch in the cover of the V-173 Pancake in
mid-2010. (Photo taken by Kelley Fling.)
The Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake" arrived
Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at the Frontiers of Flight
Museum at Dallas Love Field for a VIP pancake
breakfast and a sneak peek. The experimental
World War II-era plane went on public display on
April 15, 2012.
Hank Merbler (in photo above), Chairman and
CEO of the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation,
speaks at the 3-27-2012 delivery of the Vought V173 "Flying Pancake" to Dallas Love Field's
Frontiers of Flight Museum.
Pete Blount, Restoration Volunteer,
Dies in Glider Accident
Restored V-173 Flying Pancake at the VAHF
hangar at the Jefferson Street Facility in Dallas.
Hank Merbler (in photo above), Chairman and
CEO of the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation,
at the delivery on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, of the
Vought V-173 "Flying Pancake" to Dallas Love
Field's Frontiers of Flight Museum. The plane is on
loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air
and Space Museum.
Pete Blount, the lead on the Vought Aircraft
Heritage Foundation restoration of the O3U-3 wing
fabrication, died in a crash of his glider plane on
Sunday, October 11, 2015.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to his wife
Anne Marie and their family.
Anne Marie told Jim Hill, “Pete certainly enjoyed
working with his friends at the Retirees Club. Pete's
passion was aircraft, and the Retirees group
provided good friends to share stories and love for
flying. Please tell his friends how much the group
meant to him.”
Pete Blount working on O3U-3 wing;
Howard Widman and Bob Szabados in far
background
Peter Nelson (Pete) Blount (March 7, 1945 October 11, 2015)
Peter Nelson Blount, 70, passed away Sunday,
October 11, 2015.
Memorial service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October
28, 2015, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church,
7341 Glenview Drive, North Richland Hills, TX.
Interment: 2:00 p.m. in Dallas-Fort Worth National
Cemetery.
Pete was born March 7, 1945, in Washington, D.C.,
and was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He received his
bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from
the University of Michigan, and his master’s degree
in materials science from Case Western Reserve
University. He was a licensed professional
engineer. He joined the United States Navy Reserve
in 1968 as a naval aviator, and served as security
officer and combat information center officer with
the VW-4 "Hurricane Hunters" based in
Jacksonville, Florida. After his discharge, he served
as a reservist, achieving the rank of full lieutenant.
Pete and his wife moved to Fort Worth in 1974.
He worked as a test engineer for Bell Helicopter,
Nordam, and Vought. At Vought, he helped
conduct fatigue tests of the B-2 wing and the drop
test of the F-35. He retired in 2011 and joined the
Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation, a volunteer
group that restores historic Vought aircraft.
Pete began flying in 1967 and logged many hours in
various small aircraft. He helped establish the local
EAA Chapter 670 (Experimental Aircraft
Association), and built and flew a VP-1 Volksplane.
He also rebuilt a Woodstock glider and enjoyed
flying it with the North Texas Soaring club at the
Decatur airport. Pete was a skilled woodworker and
draftsman, an avid reader, and a daily walker at
Cross Timbers Park. He enjoyed guitar concerts,
theater, travel, and photography. He was a good
friend, a caring son and brother, and a devoted,
loving husband.
Pete was preceded in death by his father, Richard
Blount; and his uncle, Henry Moore.
Survivors: Beloved wife of 45 years, Anne Marie;
mother, Viola Blount; brother, Stephen Blount and
wife, Alice; sister, Anne Sanford and husband,
Steve; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anne and
John Kemper; brother-in-law, Michael Kemper and
wife, Donna; and many aunts, uncles, cousins,
neighbors, and friends.
- published in the Star-Telegram on October 25,
2015.
Evelyn Wray, past Vought Retiree
Club Director – Assistant Secretary,
passed on December 4, 2015
Evelyn Wray worked 15 years at Vought (19852000), and after retirement, served the Vought
Retiree Club as Director – Assistant Secretary until
the end of 2014.
Evelyn also worked on the Vought Heritage
Foundation restoration effort -- Evelyn's
contributions focused on applying canvas covering
to the V- 173 Flying Pancake.
Evelyn always had a great smile. Praise for Evelyn
has come from everyone, including these
comments:
“God rest her soul. She was a fine lady.”
“Evelyn was one of a kind, and will be
missed.”
Below her obituary, I have included photos of
Evelyn at Vought Retiree Club events. I have also
included her BIO sketch for the Vought Retiree
Club Volunteers.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to her
family and friends.
Bob
Evelyn Smith Wray (November 16, 1933 December 4, 2015)
Evelyn Wray, 82, passed away gently Friday,
December 4, 2015, with family at her side.
Memorial service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December
10, 2015 at Moore Funeral Home-Bowen Chapel,
4216 Bowen Road, Arlington, TX.
Evelyn burst into life on Thursday, November 16,
1933, and brightened every path she crossed along
her way. She graduated from Arlington High in
1951, and went on to run Wray's Music Shop in
Grand Prairie with her late husband, Wayne, from
1959 to 1984, before spending 15 years at Vought
Aircraft. Upon retirement, she began quilting, and
volunteering, and heading out to see the world, from
London to St. Lucia to the Isle of Capri -- all while
tending a family that loved and lived her example.
Survivors: Children Michael Wray, Lisa Armstrong,
Marcy Smith, and Lori Bartrug and their spouses;
nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
- published in the Star-Telegram on December 8,
2015.
Evelyn Wray with Jill Wilson at the Vought Retiree
Club BBQ on June 12, 2013, signing guests in --
Executive Committee meets the first
Wednesday of each month
Evelyn Wray (on right) with Camilla Gardner at
registration tables at the Vought Retiree Club BBQ
on June 11, 2014 --
Even though the VAHF
Restoration crew has
moved back into the old
Vought plant facilities,
the Executive Committee
of the Vought Retiree
Club will continue to
meet at 9:15 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each
month in the office suite generously provided by
Texas Trust Credit Union in Cordovan Park at 5840
W. I-20 in southwest Arlington.
Reminder – 2016 Membership
Renewal !
by Gaye Kortegast
If you haven’t renewed your membership for the
year 2016, this is your reminder that it’s that time
again! Our year runs January – December, and the
dues remain at $5/person per year. You may pay as
many years as you desire at one time. Also, we
have lifetime memberships available for $50.00
per person. I look forward to hearing from you.
Send your dues to the return address on this
newsletter. (Your address label denotes your
present membership status.)
Anyone who wants to send in an extra donation to
help fund activities of the club can do so. We have
been blessed with the support of Vought Aircraft
and Triumph in the past, but this support has now
ended. We need your support more than ever!
Call the Club at (817) 478-1885
or Email: retireeclub@vought.org
membershiprc@vought.org
VRC Caps + T-Shirts
Vought Retiree Club caps, in blue or white, are also
available for $10.00 each + $5.00 shipping.
Call (817) 478-1885
or email retireeclub@vought.org
Chairman of Major Programs – Jim Hill
V.P. - Membership Assistant – Ann Christmas
Casino Trips
Since they have not been advertised for quite a
while in the newsletter, people were asking if the
Casino trips are still happening. Yes !
The previous two Choctaw Casino Bus Trips were
on October 8th and December 10th.
If you are interested, contact Nelda Bacon, either by
email: neldabacon@att.net, or by phone: 817 5785544.
Informal Luncheons
by Pat Patterson
The T-Shirt for the “96 Years” celebration was a hit,
and sold out. They have been reordered, and you
can pick one up at the Retiree Club office for $15,
or have it sent via Priority Mail for an extra $5.
Other T-Shirts available are a blue Vought Retiree
Club T-Shirt, and T-Shirts for the V-173 Flying
Pancake & the F7U-3 Cutlass ($10+$5 shipping) --
The Furr’s Cafeteria in Dallas has closed. For that
reason, our Informal Luncheons scheduled to meet
at that location have been moved to the Furr’s on I20 just east of Matlock in Arlington (300 E. I-20).
Jim Hill named new Chairman
and President of Vought Aircraft
Heritage Foundation
After the passing of Hank Merbler,
Jim Hill has been named both
Chairman and President of the
Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation.
Volunteer Events
by Johnnie Johnson
Fair Deal at the State Fair
-- Wednesday, October 7
Sixteen (16) volunteers from the
Vought Retiree Club helped collect
canned goods from Fair goers, for the North Texas
Food Bank in exchange for discounted tickets to the
State Fair of Texas, from 3:15-6:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, October 7, 2015.
work. The mission of Mission Arlington: “We have
been faithfully serving the Lord and the people of our
community 364 days a year for more than two
decades. We are able to do this because we belong to
a wonderful community of caring people who give
sacrificially so that people in need can receive the
physical, spiritual, and emotional support they need.”
Johnnie Johnson and Gaye Kortegast cleaned up the
Day Care room, and Larry Skinner and Bob Bardo
helped with a team of 6 other volunteers to set up over
60 tables and 400 chairs for Mission Arlington’s
annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
Janice Williford,
Reggie and Wat Watkins
Sandra Jordan, Hilda Ray
Mission Arlington Volunteer Day -- Larry Skinner,
Gaye Kortegast, Johnnie Johnson, Mission Arlington
Founder Tillie Burgin, and Bob Bardo
For more information about volunteering for other
events, call Johnnie Johnson at 817-293-6556 / 817845-7576, or the Retiree Club at 817- 478-1885.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Johnnie B. Johnson
Correspondence
Bob Bardo, Danny and Janet Livengood, Susan Smith,
Hilda Ray, and Johnnie Johnson volunteered for the
North Texas Food Bank at the State Fair of Texas
Other volunteers included Larry & Brenda Skinner,
Ann Daughabaugh, Connie Click, Leroy Buchanan,
and Ray Vondonk.
Mission Arlington Volunteer Day
-- Wednesday, December 2
Vought Retiree Club members volunteered to help
Mission Arlington before Christmas, on Wednesday
December 2, 2015, immediately after the Executive
Committee Meeting that morning. Tillie Burgin, the
founder of Mission Arlington, talked with us before
we went off to different buildings to do our volunteer
September 25, 2015
Thanks Bob,
Wow what a wonderful publication, it really has a
real community feel to it. Thanks for including us.
Callum hasn't stopped smiling since I gave him a
copy. Apparently he is making a RAF BE 12 next.
Looks complicated !
Best Regards,
Darryl Long
Editor’s note: Darryl Long is the father of Callum
Long, who was featured in last quarter’s newsletter.
October 14, 2015
So sad to hear about Mr. Merbler. Glad he got to
ride in my ’58 Ford a couple of months ago.
He was smiling from ear to ear.
Adam Galan, Jr.
Triumph-Vought News
Bubba Long is now President over Triumph Marshall Street and Hawthorne, California facilities.
Triumph Group Names Daniel J.
Crowley as new President and
Chief Executive Officer
News release -- BERWYN, Pa. -- (BUSINESS
WIRE) -- Dec. 29, 2015 –
Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE:TGI) today announced
that the Board of Directors has appointed Daniel J.
Crowley as President and Chief Executive Officer
and as a director of the company, effective January
4, 2016. Mr. Crowley succeeds Richard C. Ill, the
founder of Triumph and a member of the Board of
Directors, who has served as CEO since April 08,
2015, after previously serving as CEO from 1993
until his retirement in July 2012. Mr. Ill will
continue to serve as a director on the Triumph
Board. The company’s announcement follows an
extensive search by the Board’s Search Committee
to identify a new CEO.
Mr. Crowley brings significant strategic and
operational experience to Triumph in the aerospace
and defense industry, amassed over a 32-year career.
He most recently served as President of two
Raytheon Company business areas with multibillion dollar revenues. Prior to Raytheon, Mr.
Crowley served as Chief Operating Officer of
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics after holding a series
of increasingly responsible assignments across its
space, electronics, and aeronautics sectors. Mr.
Crowley has played key leadership roles in the
development, production and deployment of some
of the largest and most complex aerospace and
defense products.
General Ralph “Ed” Eberhart, Non-Executive
Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “On
behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Dan
as Triumph’s new President and CEO. After careful
and deliberate consideration of an extensive group
of highly qualified candidates, the Search
Committee recommended and the entire Board
unanimously approved Dan to lead Triumph
forward as CEO. This leadership announcement
comes at an important time in our company’s
history as we look to enhance competiveness and
profitability to capitalize on the rapid expansion of
the global aviation market. We are confident that
Dan’s strategic and operational expertise, and deep
understanding of the aerospace and defense
industry, make him well-qualified to drive
Triumph’s growth, development and execution.”
Mr. Crowley said, “I am deeply honored to succeed
Rick as Triumph’s next President and CEO.
Triumph has emerged as a critical supplier and
partner to virtually all Tier 1 aerospace and defense
OEMs that demand the highest level of quality,
affordability and on-time delivery. I look forward to
leveraging our comprehensive capabilities and
talented workforce to deliver on customer
commitments, support Triumph’s and our
customers’ growth objectives, and drive shareholder
value.”
General Eberhart continued, “On behalf of everyone
at Triumph, I want to thank Rick for the tremendous
job he has done serving as our President and CEO.
Rick did not hesitate to step back into the role and
provide the steady leadership needed to improve
performance and profitability at a critical time. We
look forward to continuing to benefit from his
expertise through his ongoing service as a member
of the Board."
Mr. Ill commented, “It was a privilege to lead the
Triumph team and I look forward to my continued
role as a director. The company remains committed
to significantly reducing costs, improving execution
and leveraging the strength of our portfolio. I join
the rest of my fellow directors and the management
team in supporting Dan as we work to create
significant value for all stakeholders.”
About Daniel J. Crowley
Daniel J. Crowley, 52, joins Triumph from
Raytheon Company where he served as President of
Integrated Defense Systems since 2013, with annual
revenues over $6 billion, and Network Centric
Systems from 2010 until 2013. Mr. Crowley brings
32 years of industry experience where he has held
key leadership roles in the development, production
and deployment of some of the largest and most
complex aerospace and defense products, including
the P-3 and S-3 aircraft, the Atlas launch vehicle,
commercial and classified spacecraft, the THAAD
and Patriot defense missile defense systems, flight
training and logistics, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter
and air traffic control systems. Prior to working at
Raytheon, Mr. Crowley served in a variety of
leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, including
President of their training and logistics business,
Executive Vice President of the F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter Program and Chief Operating Officer of
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. As COO, Mr.
Crowley was responsible for supporting Lockheed
Martin’s key tactical fighter and military transport
programs as well as the Advanced Development
Programs (Skunk Works®) organization. While
serving as Executive Vice President of the F-35
Joint Strike Fighter Program, Mr. Crowley was
responsible for the design, development and
transition to initial production of three fighter
variants and logistics system. Under his oversight,
critical franchise aerospace and defense programs
have contributed billions of dollars in backlog and
revenue to their respective prime contractors in
support of domestic and international customers. He
earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical
engineering and a master’s degree in manufacturing
systems engineering from the University of Texas at
Austin. Mr. Crowley also received a master’s degree
in management from Stanford University as a Sloan
Fellow.
About Triumph Group
Triumph Group, Inc., headquartered in Berwyn,
Pennsylvania, designs, engineers, manufactures,
repairs and overhauls a broad portfolio of
aerostructures, aircraft components, accessories,
subassemblies and systems. The company serves a
broad, worldwide spectrum of the aviation industry,
including original equipment manufacturers of
commercial, regional, business and military aircraft
and aircraft components, as well as commercial and
regional airlines and air cargo carriers.
More information about Triumph can be found on
the company’s website at
http://www.triumphgroup.com.
Statements in this release which are not historical
facts are forward-looking statements under the
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, including statements of
expected additional revenue and accretion. All
forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties which could affect the company’s
actual results and could cause its actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in any
forward looking statements made by, or on behalf
of, the company. Further information regarding the
important factors that could cause actual results to
differ from projected results can be found in
Triumph Group’s reports filed with the SEC,
including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2015.
A-7B being restored at the Fort
Worth Aviation Museum
From the October 2015 newsletter of the Fort
Worth Aviation Museum -“Far more time is devoted to our aircraft restoration
than any other activity at the museum. The process
is slow and often tedious and very much dependent
on resources both human and financial.
A case in point is our A-7 Corsair II. We have had
the aircraft for seven years, but for much of the first
four to five years of our loan from the GSA we did
not have the resources to do much restoration work.
We were able to acquire the airplane due to the
generosity of an enthusiast, but little else. Four
years ago, an A-7 veteran, who had a history with
our airplane, approached us about helping with its
restoration. Initial progress was slow and periodic,
but two years ago our efforts increased.
A-7B in 2011 at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum
A-7B Today at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum
Each restoration has its own set of challenges and
the Corsair II had a real tough one. The US Navy
undercoated the airplane with a rubberized material
to protect it from the sea salt environment they
operated in. Good for the Corsair; bad for us. It took
well over a year to strip that material from the aircraft so
we could apply a good primer coat. Finally, after a year
of work on the exterior, the finish coat was applied, and
now its squadron markings are being restored.
Meanwhile, equally as much work was being done in the
cockpit of the aircraft. The results will be eye-popping.”
Fort Worth Aviation Museum is located at 3300 Ross
Avenue, Meacham Airport, Fort Worth, TX. Website:
www.FortWorthAviationMuseum.com
Chance Vought Survivors
Chance Vought Survivors is a group of retirees who had
worked for Chance Vought Aircraft. The only
requirement for membership is to have worked for
Chance Vought Aircraft prior to October 1961. For
more information, see:
http://www.vought.org/special/html/ssurvivors.html
The final meeting of the Chance Vought Survivors for
2015 was held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at
the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie, and was
Reggie Robinson’s final as the president. Reggie noted,
“It has been my pleasure to serve you for two years in
our continued efforts to keep Vought heritage alive.
Beginning January 2016, long-time Survivor Jack Bos
will assume the reins as your new president. Jack will
soon inform us with plans for the New Year.
To Survivors receiving only USPS meeting notices:
beginning in 2016 if you do not have an email address,
or if we do not hear from you, or you wish to be deleted,
you will be removed from the Survivors mailing list.
Complementary mailing service by Triumph has ended.
Email addresses may be sent to Dick Guthrie at
richardguth56@msn.com.”
James M. Crites
DART & Skylink at DFW Airport
The program was a presentation by James M. Crites,
Executive Vice President for the Operations Division of
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, who oversees
the activities of Operations, Energy Transportation and
Asset Management, Department of Public Safety, and
Environmental Affairs. He was recognized as a
Champion of Change in Transportation by the President
of the United States in 2013. He talked about new
activities at DFW Airport, where many retirees
participated in its "birth" building and installing
Airtrans, and challenged the retirees to continue to be
involved in technology
issues.
The A-7 Corsair II Association
Dick Atkins has provided a brochure on The A-7
Corsair II Association.
The A-7 Corsair II Association’s mission is to document
the history of the A-7 airplane and those who flew and
maintained it, to be a repository and guardian of the
extensive Corsair II legacy, and to facilitate contact
among former members of the A-7 community. As a
non-profit corporation, its goals are to contribute to
select philanthropic organizations which support our
mission and to assist the many aircraft carrier and land
museums regarding the display and history of the A-7
airplane. A major focus is to provide funds and
expertise toward encouraging the education of
America’s youth in science, mathematics,
critical thinking, and how the A-7 played a part in the
history of Naval, Air Force, and Air National
Guard aviation.
The website is www.corsair2.us.
There are two types of membership –
Member: Open to all aviators who have flown an A-7
in the capacity of pilot-in-command, as well as all
former officer and enlisted personnel who, at any time,
served a tour of duty in a squadron which flew the A7 Corsair II. Membership is also open to any persons
who have served in a capacity of providing direct
support to an A-7 squadron (e.g., civilians providing
contractor services to the squadron at their home base,
or while deployed).
Associate Member: Granted to corporations or
otherwise ineligible persons who are sponsored by a
Member, and are accepted by the Board of Directors.
Associate Members enjoys all membership benefits
except for voting privileges.
The Membership Application page is at
http://www.corsair2.us/membership-application.html.
Fred & Carol’s Traveltime
Presents
Dogwood Trails Spring Tour
April 26 – 30, 2016
(5 Days + 4 Nights)
Travel to Fascinating Northwest Arkansas, Already a Paradise
for Prosperity, Retirees, Lakes, Attractions, Recreation,
Education & Fine Arts
Visit: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville, AR,
Walton Museum at the Original Five & Dime on the Square,
Simple Pleasures Event Center & Mildred Cooper Memorial Chapel
Walton 5 & 10
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Simple Pleasures
Mildred Cooper Memorial Chapel
All this in One Day & a Half; Then it’s off to KC, only 3 hours by bus
Visit Kansas City, MO
Harry S Truman Presidential Library & Museum
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
Arabia Steamboat Museum
Historic City Tour Kansas City
Kansas City Barbeque – Arthur Bryant’s #1
Arabia Steamship Museum
Liberty Memorial & WW I Museum
President Harry S Trumnam Library
From Kansas City, we Swing by Branson, MO and take in a Show; Dine at the Grand Country
Buffet; One Night at the Branson Towers; and the last day on the way home, stop in for lunch
at Fanny’s County Cookin’, Lisa Miller, taking over for Mrs. Miller who retired at end of 2015.
Tour Inclusions: All Breakfasts, All Dinners, one lunch, RT Bus Transportation with Lone Star
Coaches, 4 nights lodging, (1) Best Western Plus, Bentonville, AR,
(2-3) Embassy Suites Kansas City, MO, (4) Branson Towers, Branson, MO.
Tour Cost Per Person $749; early booking discount $50 per person available
through October 30, 2015. Deposit $100 per person. Final Payment Deadline:
February 15, 2016. Optional Group Insurance is available at $50 per person,
Payable at time of deposit. No cancellation refunds given after February 15,
2016 unless by covered insurance claim. Make all payments by personal check.
Make checks payable to and send to:
Fred & Carol’s Traveltime
811 Sherwood Ct.; Midlothian, TX 76065
Questions? Call or email: 972 723-2814 / 214 621-4271 carol.smi@att.net / fred.smi@att.net
FRED & CAROL’S TRAVELTIME -- MACKINAC ISLAND TOUR
JUNE 2ND - JUNE 12TH 2016
INCLUDES: GRAND HOTEL MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – 2 Nights Here + Breakfasts & Elegant Dinners
Arrive by Ferry
GRAND HOTEL GARDENS
No Motorized Vehicles
3-Hour Island Tour by Horse & Carriage
LILAC FESTIVAL & ACTIVITIES
BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
ST. LOUIS ARCH & CRUISE ON MISSISSIPPI
PRESIDENT LINCOLN MUSEUM -- SPRINGFIELD, IL
LAND TOUR $2095 PER PERSON – EARLY BOOKING $100 DISCOUNT PER PERSON
($1,995)
EARLY BOOKING WINDOW JULY 1 – OCTOBER 30, 2015 - FINAL PAYMENT MARCH 31, 2016
GUARANTEED DEPARTURE WITH 30 PASSENGERS, MAXIMUM 48;
OPTIONAL INSURANCE $95 PER PERSON, NO REFUNDS EXCEPT BY INSURANCE CLAIM.
INSURANCE PREMIUM MUST BE PAID AT TIME OF DEPOSIT, PAYMENTS BY PERSONAL
CHECK; WITH INSURANCE DEPOST IS PER PERSON $345;
WITHOUT INSURANCE, $250 PER PERSON
FRED & CAROL’S TRAVELTIME, 811 SHERWOOD CT., MIDLOTHIAN, TX 76065
972 723-2814 OR 214 450-7493 OR 214 621-4271
WWW.TRAVELTIMETX.TRAVEL, carol.smi@att.net, fred.smi@att.net
INCLUDES: MAGNIFICENT MILE CHICAGO, DUTCH DELFTWARE POTTERY, WOODEN SHOE FACTORY, &
A TOUR OF A 200-YR OLD AUTHENTIC WORKING DUTCH WINDMILL; TOUR WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS,
HOLLAND MI
HENRY FORD MUSEUM in DEARBORN, MI – RIDE IN A MODEL “T” FORD at GREENFIELD VILLAGE
SIGHT & SOUND THEATRE & SHOW, BRANSON, MO -- NEW SHOW FOR 2016
OTHER INCLUSIONS: HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS 4* & 5*; ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION BY LONE STAR
COACHES; DRIVER GRATUITIES; ALL BREAKFASTS; ALL DINNERS; DEPART FROM WAXAHACHIE SENIOR
CENTER TO MACKINAC CITY, MI; FERRY TO MACKINAC ISLAND; ALL EXCURSIONS SHOWN.
WHEN BOOKING, PLEASE SEND NAMES, ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE (LAND & CELL), AND CHECK.
BOOK EARLY FOR $100 PER PERSON DISCOUNT, AND EARLY IF YOU HAVE MOTION SICKNESS; ALSO
INCLUDE ANY DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AND MOBILITY ISSUES. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU.
First Class
US Postage Paid
Arlington, TX
Permit No. 295
Vought Retiree Club
5840 W I-20, Suite #280
Arlington, TX 76017-1098
Officers:
Directors:
President – Larry Skinner
1st Vice President – Karen Sauls
2nd Vice President – Gaye Kortegast
Treasurer – Madie Vernon
Secretary – Vynita Hutson
Sergeant-at-Arms – Wat Watkins
Past President – Charlie King
Activities – Pat Patterson
Annual Meeting – Sue Nutt
Historian – Don Higginbotham
Materials/Sales – Bill Strother
Mailing – Bob Snegon
Newsletter and Publicity – Bob Bardo
Phone Bank – Gene Cates
Volunteer Programs – Johnnie Johnson
East Texas President – Charles Boyd
Technical Support and Website – Roger Stites
Chairman of Major Programs – Jim Hill
V.P. - Membership Assistant – Ann Christmas
Call the Club at (817) 478-1885
Email: retireeclub@vought.org
membershiprc@vought.org
Retirees, call the “Benefits Center” toll free 1-800-577-2145 with all your questions on retiree benefits.
Printing services provided by Texas Trust Credit Union.