These are all the guestbook messages for 2000. Thank you to all who left messages, memories, and thanks.
The Grumman Memorial Park is a fitting tribute to the many great people employed by Grumman over the years. I was born and raised on L.I. (Shoreham) and also flew the F-14 as a RIO for the U.S. Navy. I was a member of the F-14 Joint Evaluation Team at Pt. Mugu and then deployed with VF-32 on the first F-14 Med cruise. I also served on the F-14 Class Desk in NAVAIR and have many fond memories of some truly outstanding people at Grumman. It was a family company that built great jets that brought us home every time. Incidentally, my last flight originated at Calverton when I delivered an F-14 to Iran. We even made a fly-by along Shoreham Beach much to the delight of my parents. 12 years later, my son-in-law made his first flight in an F-14. Great machine!
I flew F-6's, F-8's, and F-9's in Korea. They were great planes and confidence builders.
What a great way for all of us to keep in touch and relive the times that we shared during our working years. All in all it was great and I would not trade that for anything.
To the men and women who gave their heart and soul to the F-14 project, I salute you. Even though I was stationed on a Knox Class frigate, we did a lot of plane guarding for the USS RANGER CV-61. West Pac 92-93.
During that time, I was able to observe all facets of the F-14's abilities and was constantly in awe of them. However, the best story I could tell would be that during one of our re-fuels with the USS WABASH AO-?, one of the Rangers F-14's came right up the middle of the two ships and as he cleared the bow of the Wabash, He went to afterburner, thus causing both crews to jump. I've never seen so many people hit the deck so fast in my life !
Just a note, that West-Pac cruise was the last for the Ranger, the Wabash, and the Kirk. All three were Decommissioned shortly there after.
The vision of those F-14's will forever be permanently etched in my mind.
Thank you!
I have over 6,000 military and civilian hours in Grumman Aircraft. My first flight in a Grumman was at North Island in a F9F-2 (Panther) of VF-112 in the Spring of 1950. My latest flight was in a G-73T (Turbo Mallard) of V. I. Seaplane Shuttle in September of 1989. I have time in the F6F-5; F8F-1 and F8F-2D; F9F-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -6D -6P, -7, -8, -8B, -8P and 8T; the F11F-1; the A2F-1 and A6A; the UF-1, SA16B and G111; the YAO-1; the S2F-1, -2 and -3; the TF-1 and C1A; the E1B; the E2A; the G21; G73 and G73T. Over half of my 12,000 hours are in Good Grumman airplanes.
I worked for Grumman for 43 years and to me it was the best place on Long Island to work. If you had a problem just go up to see Jake or Leroy and some how they always had time to listen. It was one great company
My contribution is on its way. I look forward to attending the dedication of the site and hopefully seeing many of my old Grumman friends and coworkers again after so many years. Unfortunately the person who "took a chance on that kid from Pennsylvania" and hired me back in 1977 won't be there. That person was Jim Egan, I understand he was killed, doing what he loved, in a helicopter crash. I will be looking for Larry Graham, Tom Reid, Bob Ablen, Geno Kormendi and Tom Zaner as well as many others. Heck we can even have a NEWTS reunion!
Tim Tate (128157) currently the Training Technology Advisor to the Director of Navy Training, CNO N7
I would just like to say, Grumman was the best company I have worked for (1977 to 1998). It was a crime that the people of Grumman were sold out. The Memorial Park was a great idea so not to let the memories of a lot of great people go unremembered.
I worked for Grumman for over 36 years. I worked on development of the F6F Hellcat through the F-14 and many other assignments at Bethpage, in Plant 5 and Plant 14, Hydraulic Test. I enjoy this web site, the pictures are very good. I appreciate all the Navy (and other) pilots who flew Grumman planes and protected our country.
George Campbell - my Grumman badge was 6172.
Let's all rally around our logo and make the Grumman Memorial Park a reality. Never will forget my time as a Plant 4 production test pilot on the J4F, JRF, F6F, F7F,and F8f from 1943 to war's end in 1945. What a company, what morale, what parties every three months on bonus paydays! No wonder Grumman was awarded so many Navy " E "s. Lot's of memories to share with Plant 4 folks during that time.
I worked on the S-2 D while attached to VS-41 at North Island Naval Air Station in the early 70's. Also flew maintenance air crew. Made several flights with then ADM Jim Stockdale, COMASWWINGPAC. I have never lost my love for that old bird. Had a Grumman Rep tell me one time, that if it wasn't leakin, it wasn't right. How true that was ! VS-41 gave most of it's aircraft to the California Department of Forestry, and I still see the old girls flying on fires. LIVE ON STOOF !!!!
My Dad and his brothers started with Grumman when Roy Grumman left Grover Loenings plant in Long Island City "in the beginning". They were Joe, Fred, Harry and Bill (who came on board later) and their sister Marion. They spent most of their lives there as did some of their children. My brother Dick retired from the Grumman service organization at NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach, VA). My brother-in-law, Frank Zaleski, worked in Purchasing for many years.
We are proud to be members of the Grumman family and hope that The Grumman Park will be a great success!
I WAS SO PLEASED TO SEE THIS SITE AND READ ALL THE COMMENTS. I WAS EMPLOYED AT GRUMMAN FOR 32 YEARS. THE FIRST 19 YEARS WERE AT PLANT 2 IN BETHPAGE AND THE LAST 13 YEARS WERE IN MATERIAL OPERATIONS AT PLANT 7 IN CALVERTON. I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE GRUMMAN FAMILY AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MEMORIAL PARK IN CALVERTON. WE PLAN TO VISIT THE PARK ON OUR NEXT VISIT TO NEW YORK AND VIEW THE BRICK ENGRAVED WITH MY NAME.
I WAS ONLY EMPLOYED AT GRUMMAN FOR 2 YEARS AND LEFT IN 1967 TO RAISE A FAMILY. I WORKED IN PLANT 30 ON THE NIGHT SHIFT IN PURCHASING WITH A GREAT BUNCH OF GALS. OUR TIME SPENT TOGETHER AFTER HOURS WAS NOT BAD EITHER. MY WORK WAS VERY REWARDING AND KNOWING THAT WE CONTRIBUTED TO PUTTING MEN ON THE MOON AND MAKING HISTORY WAS THE GREATEST. MY HUSBAND WORKED THERE FOR 32 YEARS, TILL 1994 AND WE ARE NOW RETIRED IN N.C.
Your webpage is very well done, thank you for all of the time you've invested in doing such a first-rate job on it! I saw in one of these aviation website guestbooks a comment about a new WWII air war novel, "THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY". Curious, I got a copy from amazon.com, read it, and was quite impressed. Like that other fellow, I always appreciate hearing about a good book, so I'm passing on the word whenever I visit an aviation website. But more to the point, I just wanted to let you know I was here and like what you've done with your webpage. Keep up the good work, it IS appreciated!
Can anyone help me get info on Grumman test pilots around 1945?
I started with Grumman Aug. 8, 1940 and retired May 1984 my permanent number was 1199. I started in plant #1 because it was the only plant that Grumman had at that time. It was a great place to work with the Grumman family and the memories I have are all good.
I've been a "Grummy" since 1966 - still working for the "new" corporation at El Segundo, CA. I worked the Calverton site 1966-1970 when the production was in full swing (A6 & F14). Keep up the good work at the Grumman Memorial Park so we can keep the memory alive! Is there any data available for those of us who were in Iran on the F14 program? Regards, Bob
I worked at the data center @ Holtsville for 5 years and learned a lot with the dedicated and intelligent people there. Though I was upset over the breakup and how it was handled I cannot overlook the nice experience I had while employed at Holtsville. Thanks to those good folks.
I am an avid vintage aircraft enthusiast and enjoyed your website. My Mom has been a Grumman employee for quite some time and I worked for Grumman in the tooling dept. of the Mayfield, Pa. plant in the mid '80s. I enjoy building RC model aircraft and am planning to build a F6F as my next project. Your website will be a valuable resource. Thanks.
When do you anticipate the ground breaking ceremony to be for the Memorial Park?
Dave
Dave,
We already broke ground. Expect a mid summer unveiling. Sign up for newsletter and we will notify you in advance. Look on web site.
Steve
I think this site is great. I'm proud to be a part of Long Island's history by being able to build F14s and EF111s. I miss all the guy's at plant 6&7 and all the great times we had.
I was born and raised on LI. My father worked at Grumman for 35+ years and so did several members of our family. As an ex Grummanite I am pleased to see a very well done site displaying what Grumman has done over the years. The only part I would like to see changed is the photo album. I know for a fact that a lot more photo's of those planes exist and would like to see more of them displayed there. I worked in plants 1,2,3,& 5. Worked on the side panels, joining, and cockpit for the COD. Also did tail, barrel, and joining for the E2C. Wait there's more. Also worked final assembly (R&L sides/cockpit), wings, and built many a canopy for the best plane going the F-14A's, A+'s and ALL the D's. Finished off working in plant 5 well after plants 1&3 no longer had any production going on. Doing stress testing and repair with R&D of some interesting ideas. I enjoyed working there and the people I was involved with. Wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Stephen,
The number of photos is limited by the availability from the History Center in Bethpage. At this time, I cannot get anymore photos from them. If you have any particular ones that you want posted, send them to me at:
Sirius Programming
P.O. Box 129
Eastport, NY 11941-0129
I'll return them to you.
Chris Dittmeier, webdesigner
I love the idea of the wall
My brother and I started with Grumman prior to World War Two. There was one plant at that time, a landing strip and a hanger. A total of two thousand were employed at Bethpage. It is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that I send my thanks to all who contributed to the Memorial Park project.
Chris Dittmeier, Can you forward Frank S. Johnson Email address to me. If this is the same Frank from Bellerose L.I. well then we lost tract of each other since the war. He wrote in on third of Jan. 2000. Many thanks for any help you can give me. Frank flew a Navy PBY also in WW2. I think you people are doing one hell of a job. Keep up the good work I know many will appreciate same. Thanks again. Jerry Gagnon retired Sr. Mfg. Engr. from dept. 02232, Plant two.
I was very surprised that I could not find a picture of the F9F-8 or 8T. I flew them in Flight Training while assigned to VT21 at Chase Field in Beeville, TX. During that time in 1958 I was in the very first class to train solely in the Cougars. I, personally, made my very first carrier landing in a Cougar. I did not get to make any landings in Basic Training because the ship was being overhauled. I was told at the time I was the first student to make his first landing in a jet.
After graduating I went to Westpac to fly FJ4B's. Seven years later I became a pilot for Untied and I retired from there 5 yrs. ago. I am presently building a radio controlled model of the Cougar that is 2.25" = 1'. Over 90" long. This model will have a miniature jet engine with approx. 35# of thrust. It will have all the scale controls and retractable landing gear.
Hal GNX #254 TTA #508 93 Typhoon
Finding this site has been quite a thrill -- like old home week ! I worked at Grumman [Bethpage] in the Medical Department, spending most of my time in Plant 35, 30 and several others.
Working at Grumman during the Lunar Landing was very exciting and I knew so many people connected with that project - in fact I married one - Lee Landfield and we had 31 wonderful years together.
The Memorial Park is a great tribute to a company, and all it's employees, that played such a major role in American History.
The web site is terrific -- keep up the good work -- my contribution is on it's way.
I served in the Navy from Jan 1966 till Nov 1969. Worked on the A-6A and a couple of A6-B's(harm configured). I was in VA-42 from Sept. 1966 till Jan1967 then transferred to VA-65 both at N.A.S. Oceana in Virginia.
The memorial park is a wonderful tribute to the thousands of people that have worked for the company for many years.
Hi fellow retirees, It is great to be able to touch base with some of my old friends. I spent 27 great years with Grumman, From 1968 to 1995 and I consider them the best years of my life. I met a lot of great people over the years and wish I could do it all over again. I spent all 27 years in Calverton between plant 6 and plant 7.
here are some of the decals from Grumman I have collected while I was working at the company for 40 years......
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=34547&a=2382845 (Link no longer valid)
As a private pilot in the U.K. with a love of all aircraft, It's great to find your web site. The park is a fitting tribute to the people and work carried out by Grumman. Thanks for all the good work.
Nice to remember the "old" Grumman. I worked in Bethpage from 1968 till 1989.
Just wanted to say hello to anyone from plants #3 and #3-a. I had also developed an advanced rocket engine for plant #5. I began there in 1966 at the age of seventeen and was fresh out of High School. I had lived in Central Islip at the time and first commuted there via the Long Island Railroad. My name is Joe O'Donnell and my badge number was 89841. Is there anyone from the old crew there to say HELLO ? Please write if there is.
Thanks,
Joe O'D.
My Dad, Bud Muller, worked for Grumman for about thirty years if memory serves me correctly. He retired not too long before Grumman was acquired by Northrop Corp. I stumbled on this website today (there's something about watching "Apollo 13" that brings back a lot of growing up memories) and I explored it with the most thorough enjoyment. Since joining the workforce myself, I can't begin to count the number of times I have talked to my Dad about Grumman and what a great company it had been to work for. I still remember the Grumman picnics, the nights we used to get to go watch Dad and the guys on the bowling league, all the trips Dad used to go on (meetings at NASA, wow, that was so cool!), and the heart pounding excitement of watching the LEM and knowing that my Dad had been involved in that project. I remember how Grumman marked employee's anniversaries, the pins Dad used to get, the roses sent to Mom to mark special occasions...most of us baby boomers would give our eye teeth to work for a company like that today. It gave us some great memories. Most of all though, I think it gave us something to be proud of.... that our Dads or Moms, sisters or brothers had worked for a company that had contributed so much to aviation, the space program, a company that was instrumental in the growth of an entire area, a company that earned the dedication of it's employee's and gave it in return. I can still remember how I felt when Grumman was acquired by Northrop...and sadder still to realize the Grumman name may soon disappear into the corporate maw of Lockheed-Martin. I came home today and called my Dad down in Florida. I gave him the url for this website and told him about the Grumman Memorial Park, the guest book and the messages from all the "Grummanites", the bricks you can buy, the photo album, the history. The sound of his voice when he thanked me for calling and giving him the information brought a smile to my face, I know tomorrow another member of the Grumman "family" will be visiting this website, maybe reading something posted by an old friend, maybe posting something himself, maybe just looking everything over and remembering all the good times. And if he happens sometime to read far enough to get to this posting I'll just say again..."Dad, they were great years. I've always been so proud of you and everything you accomplished." And to the rest of the Grumman family I'd like to say that you all contributed so much to the great things this country has accomplished. You can all be so very proud of the job you did! This website is a wonderful testimony to a great bunch of folks. I hope the Memorial Park is a great success. I know I plan to visit it the next time I'm in New York.
Very much enjoyed your site. We have one of your old girls in our museum collection. A-6E Intruder 155595. She was built in 1968 at Bethpage and saw combat in Vietnam from '71 to '72. She returned to combat with VA-155 in the Persian Gulf War destroying 56 tanks and 2 gunboats. I'm giving her a new paint job next weekend. Thanks for building such a "beautiful" aircraft.
Best,
Mark Fajardin Sr.
Plane Captain, Pacific Coast Air Museum
Santa Rosa, California.
Mark,
It's comments like yours that help us muster up the strength to move forward with our efforts at GMP. GMP is located on the former Grumman final assembly and flight test facility in Calverton Long Island, just east of the Bethpage plants you spoke of. Though your A6E may have been built in Bethpage, all it's components were assembled and it's first flight was made at our site.
It's hard to believe as I turn out to our memorial site daily and I look out upon the now abandoned Grumman airport, it's 2 runways and over 1,000,000 sq ft of hangers, that a chapter in Naval history is closed for good. No longer do we see the daily test flights of Tomcats, Intruders, Prowlers, Hawkeyes, Greyhounds and others. The Long Island assembly lines have been silent now for the past five years, since the Northrop merger. But thanks to people like you and your organization our efforts will be immortalized forever.
Thank You for your kind words,
Steve Kirschenbaum
Past Chairman GMP
Proud to be a Grummie, first last and always..
I'm sorry, but this not a comment on the memorial. Although it is needed and being a Vet I may someday visit it. My question is, how do I contact any person to discuss finding a person (My mother), who used to work for Hazeltine Corp, a subsidiary of Grumman during the 1950,s. She worked doing solder boards in Riverhead and Calverton from approx. 1950 to 1970 when she retired. My reason for asking this is personal. I need to know the address my mother had on Hubbard Ave in Riverhead in 1955-59. I need to know this for ins. purposes. My mothers name was Francis K. Jessen. She may have had an ins. policy with Prudential at that time. In order to gain access to that policy, I need that address. If you can help me in any way (or even if you can't) would be greatly appreciated. If it is a substantial amount, I will donate some to the memorial for your efforts. Thank you, sincerely Peter Jessen. P.S. Email me whether or not you can help, and good luck with the memorial.
I attended the first F14 factory school at Bethpage while serving as a Flight Control/Airframes tech. in the Navy. Then went on to serve in VF1 after it was commissioned. The F14 will always be some of the best memories of my life.
I read with interest the message sent by Fred Armstrong, Jr. in Feb.. My father, Ed Lovejoy (Badge #40) was Assistant Plant Superintendent to Fred Armstrong at Plant 4 until 1953, when he was made Plant 7 Superintendent.
My older brother, Edwin C. ("Nick") Lovejoy and I have continued the family tradition by having long and interesting careers in aviation. Nick recently retired as Director of Maintenance for M.I.T.'s Lincoln Lab Flight Research Facility near Boston. I was Chief of Maintenance for the W.R.Grace Company Aviation Dept. until last year and now take care of a privately owned Gulfstream G-IV in West Palm Beach.
Keep the good work going on the Grumman Memorial Park project. It is a fitting tribute to a remarkable group of people.
I enjoy reminiscing with this web site. I worked at Plants 5, 15, and 25 during my time at Grumman from 1959 to 1972 (Badge # 62009). I would love to see some pictures of the Bethpage facilities if at all possible. Thanks for keeping our wonderful memories alive!
Nice page, i love Grumman aircafts
GREAT JOB!!! YA'LL GREAT JOB!!!! WHAT BEAUTIFUL AIRCRAFT THEY WERE AND STILL ARE!!!!!
Jim McDonald Grumman, Calverton Plt. 7 1962-1995: Northrop-Grumman, St. Augustine 1995-still working.
Congratulations to all who are associated with this project. I have driven by the Calverton facility several times, always with a feeling of nostalgia. I look forward to seeing the memorial dedication. I hope we can eventually have additional aircraft on display to keep the Grumman name alive. I wish you much success.
Hi All,
What a fabulous site!!!
As a military wife, I truely loved working at NGC Pt. Mugu, CA with the greatest people in the world! I had a blast working there--getting to know all the ins/outs of the aircraft and the incredibly talented people that wrote the software and created mechanical/electrical miracles. Not to forget all of us that spent countless hours typing manuals, proposals, letters, inputing drawings, and countless other things I'm sure I've forgotten by now.
My husband was stationed there with NAWC and worked with our Grumman techs. Awesome, awesome people!!
Later, he went to VXE-6 and now ADC Darren Curtis and I are currently relocated with our two children to NAS Lemoore. We purchased our first home in Hanford. He is currently attached to VFA-137 and on deployment.
Thank you to all of you for always being the best of the best and keeping my family and friends safe at all times.
To The Sound of Freedom!!!!
Love to all our friends!
Crystal
F-14, F-14, F-14! That's all everyone talks about. Well, I was in VA-128 the Golden Intruders and VA-52 the Knightriders, both A-6 Intruder squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island. A great flying machine and a real workhorse. It redefined the term "The Grumman Ironworks." Truly one of, if not the best airplane Grumman ever built. After I got out of the Navy and graduated college, I joined Grumman (in 1974) and worked on the E-2C and EF-111 programs. The E-2C is becoming a legacy in itself. The EF-111 proved it's worth during Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operation Watch. I am still employed by Grumman (Northrop Grumman) at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, FL in Field Support Services, still supporting our fine products. Life is Great!!
Nice job on the web site. One of the things I remember as a young Grummie was watching the Guppy land and take off in Bethpage, transporting the LM to KSC. Pretty hairy. Does any film exist? Will same eventually be available for viewing at the visitor's center.
This is a wonderful site. Keep up the good work, Chris. Calverton really was a special place to work. I seem to remember Al Russo referring to it as "Camelot" in a very well written article, how true! So many great people..
I'm still on the payroll... (yep, still foolin' em!) at NAS Oceana ,messing around with aircrew and maint. trainers. They really are updating the heck out of the aircraft. Looks like it may be in the fleet till 2015 now.
My Calverton memories include, The Crazy Clown, Pizza at Foresto's, Pete Tummillo's gastrointestinal expertise, Chuck Sewell bringing back F14 no.2 on fire. Tommy Block's mild temperament, Joe Ram's humility. Gene Lesserson, Ed Merman, Benny Brunskill in maint control, picking up the Christmas turkeys, working on shop no.14 in '73 with John Morrow, Bob Overdorf, Artie Shoedle, Burt Kowoloski, Jack Kelly, Billy Zebroski (owner of half the north fork). I guess my most bittersweet memory is the first flight of the last F-14 (D-37) in '92.
We were certainly all blessed to have worn the "Grummie" badge.
It does my heart good to see the old Grumman and especially the F-14 memorialized this way. For me, the F-14 has helped raise my 3 children and keep a roof over our head for the past 32 years. Since I live pretty close to the park, I will be able to visit it often and reflect on the good times and great people that I had the privilege to work with over the years.
(Hay, "Compadre" John (Caruso), your energy is boundless and, as usual, you are a true asset to the project. Best of health and keep up the good work !)
Grumman was a way of life on the Island. From those public messages I heard in the morning before heading to school, "Brought to you by the Grumman Corporation", to finally becoming part of the fold. In the brief time I got to work their I got to meet some of the best people here on the Island. Odd to find so many kind and caring individuals with in one company. I truly miss the friends I had there and I try to get in touch with some of them when I can. But so many have scattered it is hard to keep in touch at all.
Grumman was family.
The Park is a great idea, and I wish I could make it up from Virginia to the dedication...but can't. Perhaps my son (who lives in Greenlawn) will be able to be there to help cheer you on!
I wrote a book with a lot about folks we all got to know.. Towl, Schwendler (Sr & Jr), Lew Evans, Meyer the Flyer, Mr. G himself, Gavin, Nafis, Larry Mead, Tom Kelly, Bernie Harriman, and that wonderful guy Dick Hutton, etc.....An excerpt of the book, "Start All Over" is at www.peterv.com.
Another book, with 19 different Grumman machines, plus many fine folks, is "History of Aviation, They Were There", also excerpted at www.peterv.com.
Will there a be a library at the memorial?
Best wishes to all of you doing the work to make this a great memorial!
Pete
GREAT IDEA!!!!- Good Presentation
nice site enjoyable tour
I attended the Grumman Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony today. I was deeply touched. Grumman was a great company. The F-14 on display is a tribute to all the employees that worked for Grumman. The Memorial Park is a great park.
Congratulations to all who worked on this project.
I live in Shoreham and drive to my business in Riverhead just about everyday. I have been waiting for the jet to be unveiled and I must say it really looks impressive on those pillars. Riverhead Town officials should be commended for giving you the land to use for the park. The community should also be proud to have The Grumman Memorial Park in this area.
Congratulations again.
Sincerely,
Capt. Ray Kelly
Adventures In Fishing
http://www.adventure-fishing.com
I attended the dedication ceremony on Oct. 28,2000. My father, Bill Irish, had worked at Grumman at Calverton for many years. He was always proud of his affiliation with Grumman. He had taken the family to several air shows at the facility. I really must say that the F-14 Fly-by, momentarily allowed me to again have the sense of awe and pride that I felt back then. It took my breath away!!! Being able to now visit the Memorial Park, and have a "brick" at a spot that my Dad treasured, has filled me with wonderful emotions. I am sure it will continue to do so each time we visit the park. Thank you for all the time and the effort that I know went into preparing for the Memorial and the day!!!
The dedication ceremony on 10/28/00 was terrific! Congratulations to your staff for an unforgettable event. The fly-over of the two F-14s brought back so many memories of our company and the dedicated people who created the finest naval interceptor ever made. Again, please accept my thanks.
Vic Scalone
Can anyone put me in contact with any of the female test pilots who flew the Hellcat? Thanks.
As A Grumman "Brat" and an ex employee, great to see the Grumman Name and products on the web. My Dad, Art Sr. was 33 years + at the Grum (Badge 357) he retired in 69, died a few years ago. I was 8yrs +- with Grumman, including Grumman Ecosystems (badge 80489)
Truly a Great Company. Great to see the old Iron works Products.
I am a retired Canadian Air Force pilot. My hobby is Stained Glass and my Three Dimensional Stained Glass Aircraft may be of interest to your guests. If anyone wishes to view my work, please visit me at http://members.home.net/stellarimages
I was interested in knowing if anyone monitoring out there knew my dad Tony Fama. He worked in Supply Operations for many years. He loved the company and Grumman took good care of his family after his passing. I fondly remember the picnics we went to and how many of his friends became our extended family.
I would love to hear from you if you knew him.
Mike Fama
BREATHTAKING!!!
THE SIGHT OF THE PLANE AS ONE TRAVELS EAST ON 25 IS AWESOME. IT MAKES A VISITOR FEEL AS IF HE/SHE IS A PART OF THE MONUMENT. THANKS
GREAT SITE .
I enjoyed reading the comments from other grummies. My experience at gac include the F-111b f14-ac#1 a6e & f ef11a e2c & e2t, and many r&d projects in over 30 years of working there. The moral of the grumman "family" will never duplicated in any other business. we were part of a unique facet of long island and aviation history. I'll be visiting the park and this site often.
thanks for the memories, BOB #77747
It sure is nice to see something like this finally come about. I worked at Bethpage in Plt.4 on the E-2C and C-2A,E-2's at Flight Development in Calverton, and the S-61 Rescue helicopter {we would be airborne while the F-14s were flight testing} Some of the greatest people in the world I've met while working at Grumman, and a lot of good times too! Vitos for lunch at Bethpage....The "Rainforest"...Fishing in the Plt. 6 pond at lunchtime...The "Flemish Lion"...Softball. I'm still in aviation and run into a lot of Grumman guys in the industry..."Remember that time......."
I think the Grumman Memorial Park is terrific. Looking at the F-14 brings a tear to my eye. It brings back wonderful memories of my job and all it entailed. I also very much enjoy the Grumman websites.
I'M IN MY 36TH YEAR WITH GRUMMAN AND STILL FIND THE WORK REWARDING AND CHALLENGING. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO 36 MORE YEARS.
What a long strange trip it has been. It's great to look back, with fond memories, on a group of people and a venerable company. I'm proud to have been a part of it. The F-14 Tomcat; still the greatest to have ever played the game
As a Grumman retiree I am proud to have been a part of the history of this great company.
Glad to see Grumman back on the web.
very informative, how can I locate my brick
Webmaster's Note: The bricks can be located using the computer at the park. It is in an old guard booth by the Walk of Honor. The program was written by me, Chris Dittmeier. I am also the webmaster.
My dad, Robert W. Knepton, started at Grumman Bethpage in 1940 and worked for Grumman and Gulfstream Aerospace for 48 years and 8 months. When he started he told me that if you had a problem you could just go talk to Leroy and Jake. It was like a big family operation. His badge number was 1002. We where one of the six families that moved to Savannah, Georgia to open the plant here. Grumman was still a family style business here and when Grumman was sold to Mr. Palson everyone felt like they where betrayed. But Mr. Paulson carried on the traditions of Grumman and kept the seniority of its workers. Since then Gulfstream has been sold 4 more times and every time they have cut down our benefits and we lost most of the traditions that Grumman used to do for the workers. I work here at Grumman Aerospace when I was going to school and now I work here at Gulfstream Aerospace with 19+ years service. When I talk to other employees about how it was a more worker friendly company when Grumman ran it they don't believe me. Its just a shame to see Grumman go down the tubes after seeing what it was in the 1960's.
The unveiling of the monument took place on October 28,2000. We've got lots of pictures to show you!
Marble engraved bricks, marble benches and other sponsorship opportunities are still available and make excellent Christmas presents, memorials, retirement or birthday gifts. Bricks are only $75.00, A Certificate suitable for framing would be sent out immediately. The brick would be in place in the spring. (If you want to include the video that would be $100.00 for the package) The videos should be ready for mailing before the end of the year.
Email us at gmpark@optonline.net for further information or to place an order.
It is a great tragedy for this nation, and freedom everywhere that an excellent aeronautical company that had produced fine military aircraft was left out in the cold. It is very disturbing, to find out that all the jigs and fixtures that could resurrect the F-14 were ordered destroyed! Obviously the dice was loaded by Hornet proponents to kill the Tomcat even at the expense of American naval airpower in the preference of a non-existent favorite, that later turned out to be the real turkey! I have found it to be common truth, that men in high places who make big decisions have little knowledge or understanding, will never admit their mistakes, let alone try to correct them. Instead such flawed decisions are embraced and forwarded into action. A brave Rear Admiral Tom "Tomcat" Connelly stood up to Defense Secretary MacNamara who wanted to bring the flawed F-111B to reality. Someone who had this integrity prevented an obvious mistake. Unfortunately there was no one like him again, and the last of the Grumman cats will soon become instinct within the decade. The survivors and the pilots who fly them will have to bear the burden of protecting the fleet until the the Joint Strike Fighter stands up. I just don't get it, it would have been more sensible and cheaper, to continue with the mix of F-14D's and F/A-18C/D's to "hold the fort" until the JSF comes into service. If not the Tomcat 21, the Tomcat Quickstrike would have been more than sufficient in taking up duties that the A-6E Intruder performed. When the "bean counters" make the crucial decisions, they are gambling with lives. Should the Navy decide to replace the Hornet E/F en masse immediately with the JSF, that confirmation the Super Hornet was a mistake. I hope that will not be due to encounters with the Sukhoi Flanker.
Congratulations on an excellent project! It was a privilege to work for Grumman, even though I am an electroniker. We did some wonderful things together as a team. Best regards to all.
Great photo's however, the first photo in the EA-6B page shows an EA 6A which among other features did not have a tandem cockpit as the EA 6B does.
Webmaster's Note: The aircraft are grouped under the latest version. That is why the EA6A is under the EA6B section.
Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment! We wish we could have attended the dedication. We had a great feeling of pride when we saw the pictures on your site. Thanks for all you have done to keep the Grumman Iron works spirit alive.
Looking for old " Cellmates" from Calverton Plt 6 " Ditmco". I use to work in 1072 ground support , F14 ditmco test, A 6 dit test.
Would like to hear from anyone, from engineering like Frank Cincota, Jim Renyolds, Jim Atikns, Joe Parisi, Fred Renyolds
Hellooooooooooooo anybody?
Hope to hear from somebody
Jim
You funny Grumbags.
So far, so good. Should be a showplace when completed I flew the TBF/TBM as well as the F6F. They were great airplanes. Learned to fly the TBF at NAS Ft. Lauderdale,FL Was assigned to the following squadrons: VC-1. VF-74, and VT(N)-91.