Star Dusters NewsletterRetirees and Former Employees of Lockheed Martin Corporation

Affiliated With Lockheed Martin Leadership AssociationP. O. Box 10310, Burbank, CA 91510-0310(818) 565-2011 or (888) 718-5328, Ext. 2011

e-mail: info@lmstardusters.orgFebruary 2017

This Issue:Announcements –– President’s Corner –– The Skunk Works A-12 AircraftProgram for The CIA Makes Stealth a High Priority –– In Memoriam –– TravelOpportunities –– New Members –– Lockheed Yields to Trump –– Star DustersWrite: Tom Roberts –– In The News –– Day Trip To The Petersen Auto Museum –– S-3 Viking Story Rebuttals –– Earnest K. Gann Quote –– Air Force One and F-35Program Review Ordered –– Coming Events –– Logix

Star Duster Directors, Officers and Coordinators – January 2017 – Insert 1 lists thenames of the Star Dusters who fill these positions.2017 Membership Renewal – If you have not already done so, please send in yourannual dues. The deadline for renewal of your membership has been extended toMarch 31, 2017. All donations will be appreciated.If you have not received a membership renewal form by mail, please contact usat 1-888-718-5328, ext. 2011, and leave your name and address on the answeringmachine. A form will be sent to you ASAP and your response time will be extended toinsure no lapse in receipt of the Newsletter.Star Dusters South Coast Luncheon, February 20, 2017 – According to host andPresident Julius Olzer, this popular event will be at the Gemmell’s Restaurant, 34471Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point Harbor, CA 92629.The speaker is Tom Blake, an author and newspaper columnist in southern OrangeCounty, CA, specializing in love and relationships after the age of 50. (See Insert 2 C.)Deadline for reservations is February 13, 2017. (See Inserts 2A and 2B for completedetails, menu, reservation form and driving instructions.)Star Duster Day Trip to Peterson Auto Museum – See Page 19 and Insert 3 fordetails of the day trip to the newly remodeled Peterson Auto Museum on March 15,2017. Please register as soon as possible but no later than 28 February to meetmuseum requirements.

VIEW THE NEWSLETTER AND ROSTER ON OUR WEBSITE:http://www.lmstardusters.org

Star Dusters Newsletter 2 February 2017PRESIDENT’S CORNERBy Dennis FernandezHello Star Dusters. For those of you who have renewed your 2017 Star Dustersmembership I again thank you for your continued support and contributions. Due to thefact that the Star Dusters membership renewal letters were mailed later than usual wehave extended the renewal period to 31 March 2017. I am pleased to pass along thatour treasurer John Larson reported a large number of online membership renewalshave been received this year. The significance of this is that it eliminates the touchlabor required to process the paper renewal forms thus reducing the work load on staffat renewal time. I would encourage our membership to take advantage of this feature.At the January Board of Directors meeting the Audit Committee was formed byDirectors Ross Reynolds and Cheryl O’Leary. The Audit Committee is responsible forannually auditing the Treasurer’s records for accuracy and clarity. The committee willalso develop in conjunction with the Treasurer a proposed budget for the coming year.The Audit Committee Report will be presented to and approved by the Board ofDirectors.

~end~THE SKUNK WORKS A-12 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM FOR THE CIA MAKESSTEALTH A HIGH PRIORITYBy Sherm MullinThis is the second article on the evolution of stealth technology in the Lockheed SkunkWorks. Starting in 1956 the CIA and the Lockheed Skunk Works became well awarethat the U-2 aircraft was being detected by Russian air defense radars when flying amission over Russia. However, the Russians were not able to shoot down the aircraft.This was highly classified information, with President Eisenhower, CIA head AllenDulles, and Kelly Johnson well aware of the facts. All U-2 missions over Russia werepersonally approved by Eisenhower.In 1957 the CIA initiated very classified discussions with the Skunk Works and GeneralDynamics to explore the possibility of developing a very high speed, high altitudeaircraft with a much reduced radar cross section. Although the term stealth was notused, this initiated a major focus on developing low observable technology in the SkunkWorks, which required specialized engineers and specialized manufacturing capability.In April 1958 Kelly Johnson initiated the preliminary design of what became the A-12Archangel Mach 3 high altitude reconnaissance aircraft. He wrote the proposedperformance: Mach 3 speed, cruise altitude 90,000 feet, range 2,000 miles, twoengines, payload 500 pounds.Over the next year the preliminary design went through twelve intense iterations, hencethe aircraft being named the A-12. The CIA insisted on achieving a reduced radar crosssection (greatly reduced radar reflectivity). General Dynamics and the Skunk Workssubmitted their formal proposals in August 1959. On August 29 th the CIA selected theSkunk Works to develop and produce the aircraft. It was a very “black” program, codenamed OXCART.

Star Dusters Newsletter 3 February 2017The contract requirements for reduced radar cross section resulted in compositevertical tales and composite radar absorbing edges on the fuselage and wings. Engineinlets, normally good radar reflectors, were given particular attention and treatment. Asmall model was built and tested to measure its radar cross section. All of this effortwas breaking new ground in terms of analysis, experimental effort, and componentdesign and manufacturing. Later the radar cross section of a completed A-12 wasmeasured over a wide range of radar transmitter frequencies.The structural design and manufacture of the A-12, built primarily of titanium alloy, wasthe most difficult task ever undertaken by the Skunk Works. The selected engine, aPratt & Whitney J58, required major modifications and testing in order to operateproperly at Mach 3 at 90,000 feet. Several major schedule slips occurred. Finally, onApril 25, 1962 test pilot Lou Schalk made the first flight.A total of 15 A-12 aircraft were built. For many security and political reasons the A-12operational usage was very limited. With President Lyndon Johnson’s approval alimited number of missions were flown in 1967 and 1968 over Vietnam and NorthKorea. However, with the SR-71, the successor of the A-12, coming into operation bythe US Air Force, the A-12 program was terminated. It was an enormously complex andpioneering program. Its main accomplishment turned out to be the enabling of the Mach3 SR-71 Blackbird.Around 1962 all the extensive A-12 low observable technology analysis, system design,testing, and production design data was locked up in secure classified cabinets in twolocations: the Lockheed Skunk Works and the CIA. There it would sit for the next twelveyears.

~Sixty Years Ago: Four Polaris Missiles Successfully Demonstrate Solid RocketThrust TerminalIn February 1957 four Lockheed Polaris fleet ballistic missiles, with unique two stagesolid rocket propulsion, were successfully test fired to demonstrate the performance oftheir precision thrust termination design feature, critical to achieving the requiredmissile range accuracy. The Polaris program moved rapidly through development, earlyproduction, and onward to operational capability. The nuclear submarine USS GeorgeWashington SSBN 598 went on station in the Atlantic Ocean in December 1960, with16 Polaris A1 missiles in its launch tubes. In July 1960 two successful underwaterPolaris missile launches had been made from the George Washington, the major testmarking the completion of the development program.IN MEMORIAM JANUARY 2017Kelley Hantz Jan. 7, 2017Charlie Hill (LaVeta) October 5, 2016Dortha Morrill November 27, 2016George Nolan (Kay) Feb. 25, 2016.Evalyn Devi Rogers January 17, 2017Frank Rowe December 1, 2016Art Simpson (Marilyn) July 30, 2016.

Star Dusters Newsletter 4 February 2017TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAR DUSTERSBy Ann Hyden, Travel CoordinatorStart your vacation planning early for those special trips you’ve been thinking about toexpand your horizons! Some suggestions are listed below from our counterpart to StarDusters in the San Francisco Bay area, LMMAR, and from Talbot Tours, which doesthe planning, arranging, and booking for us. Many more destinations, international anddomestic, are available but too numerous to list here. I invite you to call me with yourideas, questions, etc., at (818) 367–3217. Do book early to avoid disappointment fromfilled-up tours. Air flights and prices can be quoted and arranged from any locale. (Notethat prices herein listed include airfare from the Bay Area).Welcome to Exciting Cuba – May 13-21, 2017 and Oct 14-22, 2017 – Be among thefirst American travelers in five decades to visit CUBA! Enjoy this opportunity toexperience the enduring faith, colorful history, lively culture and lush tropical climate ofthis captivating country. After an overnight in Miami, a short flight lands you in colonialCamaguay, a city of many plazas, and visit the King Ranch, then on to Trinidad,founded in 1514 and called the colonial “Crown Jewel”, and nearby Cienfuego, the“Pearl of the South”. Before proceeding to Havana, you will pass by sugar cane andbanana plantations to the Bay of Pigs and Museum. Havana holds unique architecture,many-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, taxis all ‘50s restorations, the home ofErnest Hemingway for thirty years of his life. You will mingle with the locals; see balletand painters’ studios; hear jazz, choir and orchestral concerts; learn the samba andrumba and about cigar-making and baseball. Prices are from $5350 and includeairfare, hotels, 22 meals, tour manager, all admissions, taxes and gratuities. Finalpayment is due 90 days before departure.Grand Tour of Italy - Sept. 26-Oct. 7, 2017 – (Call for more 2017 dates) A fabuloustrip awaits you covering the highlights of magnificent Italy during 12 sunny days. Fly viaBoston to Florence/Montecantini and Venice for guided tours of city centers, AcademiaMuseum (Michelangelo’s David), San Marco, Doge’s Palace and much more. Drivethrough the Chianti Hills to medieval Siena and San Gimignana, then depart for Assisi(St. Francis’ Cathedral and Basilica) and on to Rome. Tour monuments and sites ofboth ancient and modern Rome with a day dedicated to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel.Next is Pompeii, Naples and Sorrento with tours of all, including the spectacular AmalfiDrive with views of the coastal resort Positano and another day to ferry to theenchanted Isle of Capri. Fly home from Naples. Prices include roundtrip airfare, TourManager, ten nights first class hotels, all breakfasts and dinners (20 meals), taxes andgratuities for double @ $4475 each, single @ $5230, deposit of $400 each andinsurance of $495/536, resp. Final payment due 90 days before departure.Briefly, for your consideration, are the following one- or two-week or less domestictravel suggestions: (Call me at 818-367-3217 for brochure/info.).

Azaleas, Plantation & Cajuns! Call for 2018 datesBaton Rouge, Natchez, New Orleans

Savannah & Charleston Apr. 18-25, 2017Rockin’ Reno! Orig. Artists Apr. 30-May 3, 2017

Star Dusters Newsletter 5 February 2017100th B’Day of JFK on Cape Cod & Library May 21-25, 2017

Hyannis, Provincetown, NantucketUS & Canadian Nat’l Parks- Banff, etc. Aug 14-22, 2017Solar Eclipse at Yellowstone Aug 20-26, 2017Albuquerque Balloon Fest, Santa Fe, Oct 7–Oct 14, 2017

Acoma, Taos, Carlsbad Caverns (This is a spectacular trip)Canyon Country Experience. Oct 10-16, 2017

Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce, ZionAmerican Queen Paddlewheel along Various dates in 2017

the Mississippi & Columbia RiversBrandywine & the Poconos Oct. 7-13, 2017

Phildelphia, Amish CountyAutumn in New England – Boston, Oct. 1-7, 2017

Ludlow. Lincoln, Portland, etc.International trips in 2017 have been added and include:

Costa Rica 2017/2018 dates avail.Kenya Safari – 13 days Call for 2018 datesSpain and Portugal Call for 2017/2018 datesAlpine Swiss Villages –sites seldom Aug. 21-29, 2017

seen by tourists!Glacier Nat’l Park June 25-July 1, 2017Canadian’s Maritimes, Bay of Fundy July 18-24, 2017

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, WhalesCentral Europe Spectacular: Prague, Sept 7-20, 2017

Black Forest, Rhine, OberammergauCruise Destinations: (Call me for dates/prices/ports etc. @ 818 367-3217)

Hawaii, 8-16 day trips; Call for 2018Alaska, sea or sea/land: 10-20 day trips; June 11-18, 2017Canada/New England; Sept 23-30, 2017Panama Canal; Oct 27- Nov 11, 2017Asia 14 Days. From Singapore Call for 2018Enchanting Rhine –Amsterdam to Apr. 10-22, 2017

Zurich River CruiseRomantic Danube – Prague to Call for 2018

Budapest River CruiseBarcelona to Morocco, Canary Is. Call for 2018

Tenerife, Madeira R/T~end~

Star Dusters Newsletter 6 February 2017NEW STAR DUSTERS MEMBERS AS OF JANUARY 24, 2017

Name Street Address Telephone/EmailGoss, Len 905 Hidden Meadow Ct. 817-251-8645

Southlake, TX 76092 ldgosstx@outlook.comSumner, Cindy

Correll, Jarell 338 Flaam Street 848-448-8494Nancy Toms River, NJ 08753 jwctrn@gmail.comOldenburg, Lawrence 1001 Starkey Rd, Lot 469 727-286-6779

Largo, FL 33771 oldie1951@yahoo.comTurner, Earl 4231 Mayfair Circle 315-622-0479Karen Liverpool, NY 13090 eturner1@twcny.rr.comNethery, Bob 3634 Lone Indian Trail 770-722-2718

Marietta, GA 30066-1747 r,nethery@comcast.netWalker, David 6751 Andover Ave 661-579-7773Terri Quartz Hill, CA 93536 dwgraphics@rglobal.netNickloff, William 17551 Osborne St 818-993-4401

Northridge, CA 91325 wm.bill.nickloff@gmail.comLusk, Ron 7729 Blossom Dr. 817-370-2149

Ft Worth, TX 76133 r.lusk@mail.comWaugh, Ken 124 Saddle Brook Drive 817-597-8809

Hudson Oaks, TX 76087-2020 ken.waugh214@att.net

Cox, Victor 1630 Roberts Bend 817-458-8262Brenda Weatherford, TX 76086 victor_cox@yahoo.comKingsley, Robert 20 Stratford Lane 856-778-7517

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054-1915 bob.kingsley@alumni.purdue.edu

Eads, William 2107 Forest Park Blvd. 682-701-4813Mary Ft. Worth, TX 76110 eadswr@icloud.comPachucki, Richard 19813 Meredith Dr. 301-926-9646Angela Derwood, MD 20855-2426 rich.pachucki@gmail.comNielsen, Donna

Tullis, Marta 7171 W Glasgow Place 303-979-1074Littleton, CO 80128-4804 mltullis@centurylink.net

Otsea, Gene 37435 S Canyonside Dr. 520-818-7786Tucson, AZ 85739

~end~

Star Dusters Newsletter 7 February 2017LOCKHEED YIELDS TO TRUMPBy Samantha Masunaga and Aaron Gregg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan 2017

CEO MARILLYN HEWSON says Lockheed Martin’s lessexpensive F-35s will also create 1,800 jobs.For the second time in a few weeks, an aerospace giantemerged from a meeting with President-elect Donald Trumpwith news that the cost of a big-ticket program could be cut. Itwas the latest sign that defense contractors may have to playa new game when it comes to contract negotiations.Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Marillyn Hewson toldreporters Friday that the Bethesda, Md., defense giant is closeto a new deal that would cut the cost of the F-35 Joint Strike

Fighter program and also create jobs.The fifth-generation fighter jet has frequently been targeted by Trump, who last weekslammed the program for being “way, way behind schedule” and “many billions ofdollars over budget.”“We had the opportunity to talk to [President-elect Trump] about the F-35 program, andI certainly share his views that we need to get the best capability to our men andwomen in uniform and we have to get it at the lowest possible price,” Hewson said.Her meeting followed a similar one with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg in December,after which he told reporters that the company would build the next generation of AirForce One jets for less than $4 billion — a price tag Trump had slammed in a tweetearlier that month.Such meetings between executives and the president-elect could set a precedent, saidRichard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at the Teal Group.“It’s clearly his style,” he said.Hewson also said Lockheed Martin would create 1,800 new jobs related to the programin Fort Worth as part of the new contract.Lockheed Martin estimates the program accounts for 38,900 jobs in Texas, and theplane’s supply chain touches 45 states.Lockheed shares rose $1.91, or nearly 1%, to $254.53 on Friday on the news.In recent months, the president-elect has not been shy about taking to social media tocriticize or heap praise on individual companies and military programs.A Dec. 6 tweet bashed Chicago-based Boeing for what he referred to as the “out ofcontrol” cost of the Air Force One presidential airplane.Weeks later he turned in Boeing’s favor at the expense of Lockheed, tweeting that hehad asked the company to “price out a comparable F-18 Super Hornet” because of theF-35’s high costs.

Star Dusters Newsletter 8 February 2017He also briefly brought up the F-35 in Wednesday’s news conference intended to clarifyhis business conflicts, saying he would “do some big things” with the program and finda way to trim costs and improve the plane itself.Voices on both sides of the political aisle have criticized the F-35 program’s cost longbefore Trump took up the issue. The 15-year-old program has been beset by variousdelays and has never flown in combat.Each plane costs more than $100 million, though Lockheed and analysts expect theprice will fall as the program matures and more planes are built.“Regardless of how many you buy” of any weapons program, “the development costsare going to be about the same,” said Mark Gunzinger, senior fellow at the Center forStrategic and Budgetary Assessments. “So you could spread it out over many, or youcould spread it out over a few.”Still, Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, James Mattis, told lawmakers the president-elect backs the program.“Many of our allies have bet their air superiority on the F-35 program, and it bonds ustightly together with them,” Mattis said during a hearing on his nomination last week.“The president-elect has talked about the cost of [the F-35] but he has in no way showna lack of support for the program. He just wants the best bang for the buck.”

~end~STAR DUSTERS WRITE – TOM ROBERTSI would appreciate it if you could include my comments in an upcoming newsletter.There must be some Star Dusters who would be interested in the cruise I describe. Mywife and I will be taking the cruise which is similar to one we took and enjoyedthoroughly in 2015.There is a unique travel opportunity for Star Dusters (and others) who are interested inthe Amelia Earhart disappearance, or would just like to visit a beautiful uninhabitedisland in the middle of the Pacific.In June 2017 Betchart Expeditions is offering a cruise from Fiji to Nikumaroro, wheresubstantial evidence suggests Amelia Earhart’s doomed around-the-world flight endedin 1937. Travelers will spend about eight days on Nikumaroro, relaxing aboard theReef Endeavor or snorkeling in pristine waters surrounding the island. Participants areinvited to join in on-island activities designed to find more evidence that Nikumaroro iswhere Earhart’s Lockheed Electra crash-landed. Lectures during the cruise to/fromNikumaroro and while the ship is anchored near the island will explain the history of theshort-lived British colony there (when it was known as Gardner Island), and the reasonsto believe that this is where Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan ended their lives.Additional information is available on the Betchart Expeditions website(http://betchartexpeditions.com/aus-nz_amelia_earhart.htm).

Ed Note: We’re happy to publish your article. We hope that you will have a wonderfuland successful trip this year.

Star Dusters Newsletter 9 February 2017IN THE NEWSBy Pete Harrigan

NON-PRODUCT RELATEDConfident Hewson Tells Forbes, “I’d Bet on Us” – Lockheed Martin shares dropped5% after President Trump’s Twitter criticism of the F-35, but that’s a blip compared tothe 170% gain in the company’s share price. Marillyn Hewson became CEO in 2013,Forbes reported. Trump can tweet his displeasure, but Lockheed Martin is one of ahandful of companies on Earth that can both invent an entirely new technology andthen mass produce it on an assembly line. One of Hewson’s boldest moves was thepurchase of Sikorsky in 2015, securing the contract for the presidential helicopter. Thatprogram is ripe for an outraged Trump tweet, but Sikorsky also helps president-proofthe company; its popular helicopters are exported to foreign governments, and allowLockheed Martin to display Skunk Works-led technical prowess, such as autonomousflight. On average, Lockheed Martin spends $700 million a year to come up withtechnology the Pentagon can’t afford not to buy. It’s also a manufacturing giant,probably the only contractor that can pull together a project the size of the F-35.Hewson’s biggest challenge is to persuade Trump and Congress to buy the F-35 ingreater quantities, to drive down costs. “If you look at the global security environmentand how challenging and crazy that is, and it’s our products that are going to help withthat, I think we’re a great growth story,” Hewson said. “As I look at companies in ourindustry, I’d bet on us.”Which Pentagon Programs Could Trump Attack Next? – Lockheed Martin and itsshare price have experienced the consequences of Twitter attacks by President Trump,but the company could come under further fire from the commander-in-chief, Investor’sBusiness Daily reported. The littoral combat ship, over budget and delivering lesscapability than promised, could be among the programs in Trump’s cross-hairs, alongwith contractors Lockheed Martin and Austal USA. Other programs that may attractscrutiny are the U.S. Navy’s second Ford-class aircraft carrier, the Air Force’s B-21bomber, the ground-based missile defense system and upgrades to the nation’snuclear arsenal.Trump’s New Approach to Defense Procurement – Toward the end of December,Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson met with then-President-elect Trump and, byher account, had a “very good conversation.” Yet within hours Trump’s tweetsuggesting an F-18 alternative to the F-35 went viral. In a commentary in DefenseNews, John Walker, managing director of consulting firm Navigant, said it’s not going tobe business as usual under a Trump administration. Trump’s goal is not to set newdirections in military procurement, but rather to implement current policy at a fraction ofthe price. To realize that objective, he will use his positional powers as negotiator-in-chief to exact the best possible deal for taxpayers, while highlighting his pivotal role.Trump will focus on platforms that provide meaningful capability increases and whereproduction lines are hot. So while Trump can boom and bluster about the F-35, heknows that it is the airplane we need and he will maneuver to not only get it at a good

Star Dusters Newsletter 10 February 2017price, but to get a lot of them; anticipate larger, multiyear block buys, but at steepdiscounts.Company Exec Interviewed for VA Post – Leo MacKay Jr., senior vice president ofethics for Lockheed Martin, met with then-President-elect Trump for about 20 minutesin early January to discuss veterans’ issues, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.Trump ultimately selected Dr. David Shulkin, appointed by President Obama as theDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA) undersecretary of health, to lead the agency.MacKay served as a deputy secretary of the VA under President George W. Bush from2001 to 2003. Since leaving the Bush administration, MacKay worked for LockheedMartin in a variety of corporate roles. Citing an unnamed source, the Washington Postreported that MacKay was reluctant to leave the private sector.Senior Leadership Meeting Trump’s Canadian Supplier Reception – LockheedMartin’s unit in Canada holds an annual “winter reception” for its suppliers, which thisyear was set for February 15 at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa, the Ottawa Citizenreported. It’s one of the best-attended defense-related events of the year. But inviteeswere told this year’s event was canceled “due to unforeseen circumstances.” No newdate was offered although the company said it would host the event later in the year.Still, the postponement sparked lots of speculation. Turns out the cancellation stemsfrom CEO Marillyn Hewson’s desire to hold her annual senior leadership meeting forcompany executives at the same time. And the senior management meeting won out.Company Holds Recruiting Event in Upstate New York – Seeking to fill more than100 positions in Syracuse and Owego, Lockheed Martin held a recruiting event at ashopping mall in suburban Syracuse, the Central New York Business Journal reported.The company has openings for experienced professionals and entry-level hires in avariety of engineering specialties, as well as in manufacturing, a spokesman said. Nointerviews were conducted at the event, which was more of a “meet-and-greet type ofsituation”, the spokesman said. The new openings are the result of a mix of attrition,retirements and new contract wins; last summer, the businesses laid off about 70employees as a result of declining work. Lockheed Martin employs about 1,500 peoplein Syracuse and about 2,300 in Owego.AERONAUTICSTrump, McCain Take Aim at F-35 – In his first press conference since winning thepresidential election, then-President-elect Trump again took aim at Lockheed Martin’sF-35, jolting the company’s stock, the Washington Post reported. “We’re going to dosome big things on the F-35 program and perhaps the F-18 program,” Trump toldreporters. “And we’re going to get those costs way down, and we’re going to get theplane to be even better, and we’re going to have some competition and it’s going to bea beautiful thing.” The F-35 was under criticism for delays and cost overruns longbefore Trump took to Twitter over the issue. In January, the Defense Departmentacknowledged another schedule delay affecting production of the plane, increasing thecost of the program by an estimated $500 million and prompting renewed criticism fromSenate Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain (R-AZ). “If the Lockheed MartinCorporation has new initiatives that are ‘ready to deliver’ to reduce F-35 program costs,

Star Dusters Newsletter 11 February 2017I expect you to detail your plans for accomplishing this objective to the committee assoon as possible,” McCain said in a letter to CEO Marillyn Hewson. “A Trump-McCaincombination would be hard to counter because these are two of the most forcefulpersonalities on the Washington landscape,” said Loren Thompson, chief operatingofficer of the Lexington Institute, which receives funding from numerous defense firms,including Lockheed Martin. “If Trump and McCain get together on trying to reduce thecost there’s going to have to be some reduction of the price tag.” A Lockheed Martinspokesman said: “We are focused on delivering the best capability possible at the bestvalue for the American taxpayer. We look forward to continuing to work with ourgovernment and military leaders to build on the F-35 program’s record of performanceand affordability.”Hewson Tells Trump of Plan to Cut F-35 Costs, Create Jobs – Lockheed MartinCEO Marillyn Hewson told President Trump the company is close to a deal with thePentagon to lower costs “significantly” for the next F-35 production lot and will boosthiring at the Texas factory where the advanced aircraft is built, Bloomberg Newsreported. “I certainly share his views that we need to get the best capability to our menand women in uniform and we need to get it at the lowest possible price,” Hewson saidafter her second meeting with Trump. Hewson may have hit the sweet spot that hasearned Trump’s approval following meetings with other corporate executives: promisingto cut costs to taxpayers and create jobs. “Marillyn Hewson is doing the right thing,”said Richard Aboulafia, a defense analyst with Teal Group. “This is embarrassing on anational level, on a defense contracting level. But this is the right thing for Lockheed.”Hewson told reporters the company is close to a deal that would break an impasse withthe Pentagon over the 10th order for the F-35, the largest yet. The hiring spreepromised by Hewson comes as Lockheed plans to step up production of the aircraft.Deal Reportedly Near to Push F-35 Unit Price Under $100M – The U.S. Departmentof Defense and Lockheed Martin are close to a deal for a contract worth almost $9billion as negotiations are poised to bring the price per F-35 below $100 million for thefirst time, Reuters reported. Sources said an announcement was near on the Lot 10buy of 90 aircraft. The company declined to comment and a Pentagon representativesaid only that negotiations are ongoing. Pressure from President Trump may have hadsome effect on the negotiations, but Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program manager JeffBabione predicted last summer that the price of the F-35’s conventional takeoff andlanding version would drop to under $100 million per plane in this contract.Company Faces Pressure on F-35 Price – Lockheed Martin and its subcontractorshave invested in efforts to cut the cost of the F-35, but investors are concernedPresident Trump’s criticism will erode profit margins that are already under pressure,the Wall Street Journal reported. Lockheed Martin has pledged to raise margins on theF-35 to the 10%-plus level of existing jets such as the F-16 from what analysts estimateis around 8%. The F-35 already accounts for 23% of the company’s sales, a level that’salso set to rise as production expands. “New attention from … Trump and adversepricing on subsequent contracts could keep F-35 margins below the company averagefor longer than expected,” RBC Capital analyst Matt McConnell said. U.S. Air Force Lt.Gen. Chris Bogdan, the military head of the F-35 program, said in late December that

Star Dusters Newsletter 12 February 2017he expects the next batch now under negotiation to be 6% to 7% cheaper than the last.That would take the price of each plane below $100 million in current-year dollars forthe first time, on track with the Pentagon’s existing plan for them to cost around $85million apiece by 2019 in then-year dollars.BAE Says Trump Wants 10% Reduction in F-35 Price – BAE Systems ChairmanRoger Carr said President Trump asked Lockheed Martin to reduce costs on the $379billion F-35 fighter-jet program by at least 10%, Bloomberg News reported. “We’vebeen told through Lockheed that the president has an ambition to reduce the cost ofthat aircraft by a material amount of money, many percent, into double digits over aperiod,” Carr said. “We respect that and we’ll work towards a contribution towards that.”BAE is teamed with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the F-35 program andhas a 15% work-share on each plane. It makes the fuselage, tail and wing parts andoversees production of the fuel, ejection and life-support systems and elements ofweapons integration.Mattis Defends F-35, and Trump’s Criticism – Gen. James Mattis told senatorsduring his confirmation hearing that President Trump has “in no way shown a lack ofsupport for the (F-35) program…. (but) just wants more bang for the buck, DefenseNews reported. Mattis ventured his own support of the F-35, calling it “critical” andnoting that “many of our allies have bet their air superiority on the F-35 program.”However, the famed former Marine Corps general did not offer any specifics aboutwhether Trump is considering a smaller F-35 buy or the acquisition of an upgradedversion of the Super Hornet.Trump Warplane Swap Won’t Work – President Trump’s request that Boeing “price-out” an F-18 to compete with Lockheed-Martin’s F-35 would be very good news forBoeing-St. Louis, where the Super Hornets are built, but the idea isn’t very practical,the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said in an editorial. The F-18 and the F-35 are entirelydifferent aircraft, designed 20 years apart for different missions. It’s as if Trump decidedthe Porsche 919 was too expensive and asked Ford to upgrade a 1995 pickup to raceat Le Mans. The F-35 was designed as a stealth aircraft; everything on it is designedfor low radar signatures. The F-18 isn’t. The F-18 was designed with heavyreinforcement to land on aircraft carriers, but most F-35s are destined for the Air Force,which needs fast, lightweight aircraft capable of the high speeds and tight turns of aerialcombat. A “priced-up” F-18 is not capable of meeting the demands of the Air Force,Marines or foreign clients, not unless it’s totally redesigned, which would price-up intothe billions and take years.F-18 “Not Interchangeable” with F-35, USAF Says – If President Trump tries toreplace Lockheed Martin’s F-35 with Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, he can expectto find opposition from the Air Force, Defense News reported. “The Air Force does notview the F/A-18 and the F-35 to be substitutable at all,” Air Force Secretary DeborahLee James said. “They fulfill different requirements. They’re both fine aircraft … but it’sfourth generation, and F-35 is fifth generation.” Although the F-35 program still isworking through challenges, it’s making progress in lowering costs, James said. “It’simpossible for me to say” what Trump’s intentions are, she said. “But clearly … he didhave both the CEOs of Lockheed and Boeing come talk to him about these programs.

Star Dusters Newsletter 13 February 2017He did talk about costs.… It certainly would be consistent, I believe, that he is trying tonegotiate and trying to see whatever he can do to bring down costs further.”USN Says F-35 “On a Completely Different Level” Than F-18 – Chief of NavalOperations Adm. John Richardson said Lockheed Martin’s F-35 has capabilities thatare “on a completely different level” than Boeing’s F/A-18, Investor’s Business Dailyreported. Richardson said the F-18, which is considered a 4th-generation fighter, couldbe upgraded to a 4.5-generation fighter and noted that the Navy’s carrier air wing willconsist of 5th- and 4th-generation fighters “in the foreseeable future.” “We need the F-35s,” he said. ‘That is our 5th-gen capability which we need, supplemented by healthycadre of advanced Super Hornets.”Outgoing Pentagon Tester Says F-35 Requires “Comprehensive Review” –Outgoing Pentagon test and evaluation chief Michael Gilmore called on the Trumpadministration to “rigorously and comprehensively review” Lockheed Martin’s F-35fighter jet, Bloomberg News reported. While Pentagon officials say the plane is nowessentially on schedule and close to its budget after earlier problems, Gilmore citedunresolved performance issues in the program’s current $55 billion developmentphase. The Pentagon’s F-35 program office “has no plan to adequately fix and verifyhundreds of these deficiencies using flight testing within its currently planned scheduleand resources,” Gilmore said. Deploying F-35s “with capable mission systems is criticalto our national security” but the program now “is at high risk of sacrificing essentialcombat performance,” he added.1st F-35B Squadron Moves to Japan – A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B squadrontransferred from the United States to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan,marking the first permanent international deployment of the joint strike fighter, DefenseNews reported. The B-model is the short takeoff and vertical landing version of the F-35. The 16-aircraft squadron moved to Japan from Yuma, AZ became the U.S.military’s first operational F-35 unit in July 2015. The Air Force will become the nextservice to internationally deploy the F-35, but it will locate its first squadron in Europerather than in the Asia-Pacific. The F-35A will be permanently based at Royal Air ForceBase Lakenheath in England as early as 2020.Lockheed Martin Delivers 200th F-35 – The 200th F-35, a conventional take-off andlanding version for the Japan Air Self-Defence Force, was delivered in mid-January,FlightGlobal reported. The aircraft was the second of four that will be built for Japan atLockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant; 38 more will roll off a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-run final assembly and check-out line in Nagoya. In addition to Japan, F-35s have beendelivered to the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as to Australia, Israel,Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom.Pentagon Awards $450M for South Korea F-35 Work – The Pentagon awardedLockheed Martin a $450 million modification to a previous contract linked to thedevelopment and delivery of F-35A aircraft to South Korea, Reuters reported. Themodification adds nearly 50% to the original $920 million contract awarded to LockheedMartin in 2015, and covers non-recurring engineering and integration work, thePentagon said.

Star Dusters Newsletter 14 February 2017India Fighter Deal Poses Threat to Jobs in U.S. – Offers by Boeing and LockheedMartin to build fighter jets in India could encounter turbulence as they run up againstPresident Trump’s pledge to keep jobs in America, The Seattle Times reported. India’sdemand for in-country production of up to 200 new fighters was supported by theObama administration and the Pentagon. Trump, however, has pledged to retaliateagainst companies that move American jobs abroad. It’s unclear how his administrationmight view an Indian F-18 or F-16 plant. Boeing has enough orders to keep its F-18 linein St. Louis line running well into the next decade. By contrast, Lockheed Martin’s F-16program is winding down in the U.S. “I think it would be easier for Lockheed to set upan F-16 line in India than for Boeing to do it for the Super Hornet,” said LorenThompson, defense analyst and chief operating officer at the Lexington Institute. “It justseems unlikely that planes being produced in the U.S. would be manufactured in India.”USAF Releases RFP for T-X Trainer – The U.S. Air Force released the request forproposals (RFP) for its estimated $16.3 billion T-X trainer program, one of the service’slast major aircraft programs on the horizon, Defense News reported. The competitionpits Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Sierra Nevadaagainst each other for the T-X, which will replace the T-38 and be the first trainerdesigned specifically to train F-22 and F-35 pilots. The winner of the contract, plannedto be announced this year, will likely be responsible for manufacturing the entire 350-strong-aircraft program of record. One of the biggest questions is whether financialincentives given for higher-performing bids will swing the competition. For example, theservice will knock up to $88 million off a proposal’s total evaluated price for high-Gmaneuvering beyond the threshold value.SPACE SYSTEMSUK Trident Missile Reportedly Fails in Test; Cover Up Alleged – An unarmednuclear-capable Trident missile malfunctioned after a test firing from a British nuclearsubmarine in June, prompting questions about why Prime Minister Theresa May did nottell Parliament ahead of a vote on renewing the submarines, Reuters reported. Quotingan unnamed naval source, the Sunday Times first reported that the missile may haveveered off in the wrong direction when it was fired off the coast of Florida. In contrast tothe U.S. Navy, which has conducted more than 150 consecutive successful test flightsof the Lockheed Martin-built Trident missile, the Royal Navy has conducted only fivebecause each costs £17 million. The failed test was the first in four years. The SundayTimes said May omitted any mention of the failed test when she persuaded Parliamentto spend £40 billion ($49.5 billion) on new Trident submarines last July. In a jointstatement, May’s office and Britain's Ministry of Defence said the Royal Navyconducted a routine Trident test from HMS Vengeance as part of an operationdesigned to certify the submarine and its crew. It did not confirm the failure.“Vengeance and her crew were successfully tested and certified, allowing Vengeanceto return into service. We have absolute confidence in our independent nucleardeterrent,” the statement said. “We do not provide further details on submarineoperations for obvious national security reasons.”

Star Dusters Newsletter 15 February 2017Newest Weather Satellite Transmits Stunning 1st Images – The National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration’s new Geostationary Operational EnvironmentalSatellite (GOES-16) weather satellite transmitted its first images back to Earth, andthey are flooring, the Washington Post reported. Meteorologists already are droolingover the incredible resolution of the satellite’s instruments, including a lightning mapperand a camera that looks down at Earth. The camera, which produces clearer and moredetailed pictures than those available from current satellites, can scan half the Earth infive minutes. If forecasters want to zero in on an area of severe weather, it can scanthat region every 30 seconds. Built by Lockheed Martin, GOES-16 is expected tobecome operational in November.Lockheed Martin Completes Assembly of New Weather Satellite – The companycompleted assembly of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s GOES-S weather satellite and commenced mechanical and environmental testing of thespacecraft, Space Daily reported. The Geostationary Operational EnvironmentalSatellite-S (GOES-S) is the second of four next-generation spacecraft that will providea major improvement in the nation’s weather observation capabilities, leading to moreaccurate and timely forecasts, watches and warnings. The first satellite in the series,now known as GOES-16, was launched in November and is going through acomprehensive post-launch test and checkout phase.Atlas V Carries Missile Warning Satellite into Orbit – A United Launch Alliance(ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully boosted into orbit a $1.2 billion satellite to improvethe detection of ballistic missiles directed at the United States, USA Today reported.The U.S. Air Force’s third Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite, built byLockheed Martin, eventually will be moved to a geostationary orbit more than 22,000miles above the equator. The first SBIRS satellite was launched in 2011, beginning thereplacement of Defense Support Program satellites dating to the 1970s. Beyond beingon alert for direct threats to the homeland, the warning satellites have been used totrack Scud missiles that Iraq fired at Israel during the first Gulf War and to detect andtrack North Korean missiles and rockets. They can see space launches, helping totrack new satellites. Air Force and Lockheed Martin officials said data from the sensorsalso supports civilian first responders, for example helping to identify hot spots in aforest fire. The fourth and final SBIRS satellite is scheduled for launch in November byULA, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.Company to Support New NASA Asteroid Mission – NASA selected LockheedMartin and Southwest Research Institute (SRI) for a new Discovery Program mission tostudy seven asteroids, the Denver Post reported. Lockheed Martin will build thespacecraft, intended to study an asteroid in the main asteroid belt before continuing onto examine six others that orbit in tandem with Jupiter. SRI will provide instrumentationfor the craft, scheduled for launch in 2021. The asteroids are “two chapters of astorybook of the early solar system,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administratorof NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. NASA has flown 12 Discovery missions, withLockheed Martin involved in six. The mission has a cost cap of $450 million.

Star Dusters Newsletter 16 February 2017FBM Team Moves into Historic Cape Canaveral Building – The U.S. Navy andLockheed Martin cut the ribbon on a newly-renovated facility at Cape Canaveral AirForce Station that will accommodate nearly 200 of the company’s employees who workon the Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program. The government-owned facilitywas built in 1961 for the United States’ first manned spaceflight program, ProjectMercury. In 2015, Lockheed Martin announced plans to bring 130 jobs to CapeCanaveral by 2017, and many of the building’s occupants will fill those positions. By theend of 2017, the company expects to have nearly 720 employees working on the FBMprogram in Brevard County.MISSILES AND FIRE CONTROLNew Missile Destroys Small Boat in Test – The missile that ultimately will replace theU.S. Army’s Hellfire missile successfully destroyed a small remotely piloted boat frommore than 4 kilometers away, Defense News reported. In a flight test at the Eglin AirForce Base Maritime Range in Florida, Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile(JAGM) was launched by an AH-64D Apache pilot and was successfully guided to thetarget using both laser and radar sensors. The Army said the test was the 10 th in aseries, intended to demonstrate JAGM’s maturity and capability against different kindsof targets in a variety of environments. The service has been relatively quiet aboutJAGM, last announcing a test, the seventh, in May 2016 when a missile fired from aGray Eagle unmanned aircraft system hit a truck target moving at 20 mph. JAGM isintended to reach initial operational fielding in 2018..Company Testing LRASM for Future USN Frigates, Subs – Lockheed Martin istesting its air-launched, anti-ship cruise missile for the U.S. Navy’s future fleet offrigates and submarines, U.S. Naval Institute News reported. Originally developed forthe Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in response to an urgent need for amodern air-launched weapon, the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program hasbeen absorbed by the Navy and will be fielded aboard B-1B bombers and the F/A-18 inthe next few years, a company official said. The company is positioning the weapon,based on its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, as its submission for the Navy’s over-the-horizon (OTH) missile for the emerging frigate design. Following three launch testsfrom MK-41 Vertical Launch Systems last year, the company will move ahead with teststhis year of a standalone launcher that will be the basis for the OTH missile for thefrigate. In addition to the OTH contest, Lockheed Martin is also set to test a sub-launched variant of LRASM.Firms Cash in Amid Soaring Demand for Munitions – Companies such as Boeingand Lockheed Martin are benefiting from demand for precision-guided munitions as theU.S. military increases its reliance on air power in the Middle East, the Wall StreetJournal reported. The U.S. Air Force has expended about $2 billion worth of precision-guided munitions on Islamic State targets since August 2014, dropping more than40,000. The air-centric nature of the fight has strained supplies of the three preferredprecision-guided munitions: Lockheed Martin’s Hellfire missile, and Boeing’s small-diameter bomb and joint direct attack munition. As a result, the Air Force is shiftingsupplies to the Middle East from Europe and the Pacific to keep campaign

Star Dusters Newsletter 17 February 2017commanders armed with what they need, and then backfilling the arsenal in Europeand the Pacific when new munitions arrive.Lockheed Martin to Deliver Targeting Systems for Cobra Helicopters – Thecompany received a $150 million contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver Target SightSystems for AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters, United Press International reported. Thesystems, which use large-aperture mid-wave forward-looking infrared sensors toidentify and designate targets at long ranges, will be installed aboard helicoptersoperated by the United States and Pakistan. The contract includes options that couldboost its value to $284 million.ROTARY AND MISSION SYSTEMSRoyal Navy Awards £269M Contract for New Helo Surveillance System – TheBritish Royal Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to develop a new airbornesurveillance and control capability for the service’s fleet of 30 Merlin helicopters, Jane’sDefense Weekly reported. The pact, valued at £269 million ($327 million), covers thedemonstration and manufacture phase of the new system, dubbed Crowsnest. Itaugments the Merlins’ antisubmarine warfare mission with long-range air, sea and landdetection and tracking capability. The upgraded Merlins will be deployed with the RoyalNavy’s two new aircraft carriers; the first, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is expected to beginsea trials in March.Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract for Ship Defense System – The U.S. Navyawarded the company a $93 million contract to develop a new electronic warfaresystem to help safeguard ships against missile attacks, the Syracuse Post-Standardreported. Lockheed Martin will install its Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare ActiveMission Payload system aboard 18 of the Navy’s ship-based MH-60 helicopters. Thesystem will enable patrolling helicopters to detect incoming missile threats, and toengage countermeasures to protect ships. It can work independently or with a ship’sonboard electronic sensors to determine where a missile is headed, and use radiofrequency countermeasures to disrupt the missile and protect against a strike.Sikorsky Gets Phase 3 Cockpit Automation Contract – The Defense AdvancedResearch Project Agency (DARPA) awarded the company a contract to move into thethird phase of a major cockpit automation program, United Press International reported.Known as the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System, or ALIAS, the program isintended to reduce pilot workloads by designing cockpit computer systems to functionmore independently. Sikorsky officials said the work will make military aircraft safer,and improve mission performance. During the first two phases of the program, Sikorskybuilt and flew a prototype system aboard several aircraft. DARPA plans for the ALIASsystem to be removable, providing readily available high-level automation for existingaircraft. The latest contract is worth about $35 million, DARPA said.Poland Still Considering Helicopter Options – Poland is considering buying 14 armyhelicopters from either Airbus, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky subsidiary or Leonardo-Finmeccanica this year, Reuters reported. “We are in the process of choosing an offer,”Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz told a news conference, without saying when adecision will be made. The defence ministry has said the contract could be worth $244

Star Dusters Newsletter 18 February 2017million. NATO member Poland has sped up efforts to overhaul its military followingRussia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula and Moscow’s renewed military andpolitical assertiveness in the region. In October, Poland scrapped a preliminary dealwith Airbus to buy 50 Caracal multi-role helicopters after prolonged negotiations. BothSikorsky and Leonardo’s AgustaWestland produce helicopters at plants in Poland.Sikorsky Grounds Some S-92s After Oil Rig Accident – Sikorsky said it wasgrounding its S-92 service helicopters following a December incident at the WestFranklin platform in the North Sea, United Press International reported. Les Linklater,the executive director for Step Change in Safety, an industry group, said Sikorsky wasconducting visual inspections of its global S-92 fleet as a precautionary step. Aspokesperson for CHC Helicopter, which operated the S-92 involved in the incident,said the crew responded as trained and landed the craft after control issues whilelanding at the platform. No injuries were reported. “We are in close contact with theaircraft manufacturer and we will be keeping customers and fellow operators informedof any significant factual information as it emerges,” the spokesperson said. Linklatersaid his organization was coordinating with other relevant players to maintain safe flightoperations and ensure the operational impact is limited. The investigation into the S-92incident is in the early stages, he stressed.Lockheed Martin Proposes Aegis Radar Upgrade – The company unveiled a planfor a solid-state upgrade to the AN/SPY-1(V) radars fitted to the U.S. Navy’s Aegis-capable guided-missile destroyers, Jane’s Defence Weekly reported. The plan wouldleverage technology from the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s S-band Long RangeDiscrimination Radar. Jim Sheridan, the company’s vice president and generalmanager for naval combat and missile defence systems, said the technology updateplan – which would backfit a new gallium nitride antenna array and a multi-missionsignal processor into existing destroyers – was potentially applicable to more than 30DDG-51-class ships. He added that the updates would close an integrated air andmissile defense “capability capacity gap” the Navy faces on some of its older surfacecombatants.USN Shifts Freedom-class LCSs to East Coast – The U.S. Navy shifted thehomeport of the littoral combat ships (LCSs) USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Detroit(LCS 7) from San Diego to Mayport, FL, Jane’s Defence Weekly reported. Mayporteventually will become the home for all of the Lockheed Martin-built steel monohullFreedom-class variant LCSs, the Navy said. The Austal USA-built Independence-variant ships will continue to be based in San Diego. Former Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), who retired from Congress in December, was instrumental in the homeportingdecision, Navy officials said. The move comes after Mayport saw ship levels drop withthe decommissioning of Navy frigates.Lockheed Martin Refining USN Frigate Proposal – The company continues to refinethe notional features of its proposed new frigate design based on its Freedom-classlittoral combat ship (LCS), Seapower reported. Sean Patton, the company’s director ofbusiness development for littoral ships and systems, said the frigate’s crew size wouldbe approximately 130, compared with 90 on the LCS. The frigate will retain the LCShull form, but additional berthing and cooling requirements, along with other hull,

Star Dusters Newsletter 19 February 2017mechanical and electrical enhancements, will involve approximately a 40% redesign ofthe ship. Enhancements include increased armor, and upgraded combat systems,radars and weapons. Patton said the Freedom-class hull has “the capacity and theflexibility to handle” the modifications to produce a formidable frigate.ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVESSandia Tech Transfer Future Unclear – The future of the Technology Venture Corp.(TVC) remains clouded as the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)transfers management of Sandia National Laboratories to Honeywell International, theAlbuquerque Journal reported. Honeywell won a contract in December to take overmanagement of Sandia operations from Lockheed Martin, which has managed the labsince 1993 and created TVC to help accelerate efforts to take new lab technologies tomarket as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission to push technology transferat all of its 17 national laboratories. About 90% of TVC’s $1.7 million annual budget isfinanced directly by Lockheed Martin. Until terms and conditions of Honeywell’s newcontract with the NNSA are released, the nonprofit’s future mission and stability remainuncertain. NNSA could ask Honeywell to continue working with TVC, but as aLockheed-founded and funded entity, Honeywell likely proposed its own tech-transferplan when seeking the contract, according to one analyst who has closely followed thebidding process.

~end~DAY TRIP TO THE PETERSEN AUTO MUSEUMOn March 15, 2017, Star Dusters and their guests will head to the internationallyawarded Petersen Automobile Museum for a self-guided tour of the three-storymuseum dedicated to the history, industry and art of the automobile. A self-paid lunchwill be at the museum restaurant, DRAGO. After lunch, the Star Dusters will head to aguided tour of the Petersen Vault which contains many specialty vehicles including hotrods, muscle cars, Hollywood vehicles, exotics, vehicles used by heads of state,motorcycles, and even a Popemobile,The Museum including its exterior was recently remodeled. The architecture is anattraction in itself.

Star Dusters Newsletter 20 February 2017The cost of both sections of the museum is $30 total and there is a $12 per car parkingfee.More information on the museum is at their website: https://petersen.org/ and therestaurant menu can be found at: http://dragoristorante.com/menu/

Photography is allowed in the main museum but not in the Vault.Because of the requirement to reserve and pay for limited slots, please register as soonas possible but no later than 28 February, either on line or with a check mailed to GaryBelie, 11564 Coralberry Ct., Moorpark, CA 93021.Confirmation and final details of the trip will be emailed by 2 March. If you have notreceived confirmation by the 3rd, please call Gary Belie at 805-529-6539.

~end~

Star Dusters Newsletter 21 February 2017THE S-3 VIKING STORY REBUTTALSDennis Fernandez writes:Excuse me for weighing in on the discussion of this topic. Prior to my employment withLockheed as a Flight Test Engineer I held a similar position with Rockwell on the B-1and flew as a crew member on the Crew Escape Module configured aircraft.The decision to change configurations was not based on the loss of Doug Benefield,with whom I was privileged to know, it was based on a combination of factors. As onewould imagine, ejecting 10,000 pounds of structure from an airframe requires a verycomplex set of systems involving, in the case of the B-1, over a thousand pyrotechnicdevices, rocket motors, the Apollo capsule three-canopy parachute recovery system,impact attenuation bladders etc. What drove the change to ejection seats, to name afew, was aerodynamic instability of the module, which reduced the safe ejectionenvelope, weight restrictions on the module, and the projected excessive maintenancecosts and aircraft down time required to service and refurbish the afore mentionedsystems.Gordon Cress writes:In the portion of the article on the ejection seats, the author states …”To my knowledge,no other aircraft has developed a successful multi-place (more than two) escapesystem.”The B-1B has a four-man sequenced escape system using Weber Aircraft ACES IIejection seats.I worked on that system too many years ago to admit!Lyle Schaefer writes:On Thursday, 12-01-16, Lyle Schaefer wrote to Gordon Cress:Thanks for the information, Gordon. I guess it would have been more accurate to saythat the S3 was the “first” to develop a successful full envelope 0-450 KIAS, sequenced4-man ejection system. I know that the original Capsule ejection system on the B-1was abandoned after the fatal crash in the Palmdale desert, killing Rockwell’s ChiefTest Pilot. I had forgot about the follow on system that was developed following thatcancellation and am not aware of the details of its capabilities. I know that the EA-6B,which was a USN carrier-based 4-man aircraft, did not have such a system.

~end~ERNEST K GANN QUOTEBefore take-off, a professional pilot is keen, anxious, but lest someone read his truefeelings he is elaborately casual. The reason for this is that he is about to enter a newthough familiar world. The process of entrance begins a short time before he leaves theground and is completed the instant he is in the air. From that moment on, not only hisbody but his spirit and personality exist in a separate world known only to himself andhis comrades.

Star Dusters Newsletter 22 February 2017As the years go by, he returns to this invisible world rather than to earth for peace andsolace. There also he finds a profound enchantment, although he can seldom describeit. He can discuss it with others of his kind, and because they too know and feel itspower they understand. But his attempts to communicate his feelings to his wife orother earthly confidants invariably end in failure.Flying is hypnotic and all pilots are victims to the spell. Their world is like a magic

island in which the factors of life and death assume their proper values. Thinkingbecomes clear because there are no earthly foibles or embellishments to confuse it.Thinking must remain straightforward for the professional pilot, or they die . . .

- Ernest K. Gann, from his Forward toIsland in the Sky, 1944.

~end~AIR FORCE ONE, F-35 PROGRAMS REVIEW ORDERED.Samantha Masunaga, LA Times, 1-28-2017

Defense Secretary James Mattis hasordered reviews of the Air Force One and F-35 fighter jet programs, two projects thathave frequently been in President Trump’s crosshairs.Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said Friday that Mattis ordered separate reviewsof both programs to “inform programmatic and budgetary decisions,” as well as his“recommendations to the president regarding critical military capabilities.”In a Thursday memo to the deputy secretary of Defense, Mattis said the review wouldlook for opportunities to “significantly reduce” the cost of the F-35 program while stillmeeting requirements.As part of that, Mattis said a parallel review would compare the operational capabilitiesof the F-35C for the Navy, which is designed to withstand the stress of landing oncarriers, with the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.This review would determine whether improvements could be made to an advancedSuper Hornet that would provide a “competitive, cost-effective fighter aircraftalternative” to the F-35, the memo said.

Star Dusters Newsletter 23 February 2017

A separate memo from Mattis ordered a review of the Air Force One program todetermine whether costs could be cut.Both programs have connections to Southern California.Boeing Co., which builds the iconic presidential 747 aircraft, has several hundredsuppliers in the U.S. that support the 747 program. One of the largest is TriumphAerostructures, which assembles the 747's center fuselage panels in Hawthorne.Northrop Grumman Corp. operates an El Segundo facility that produces fuselages forBoeing’s F/A-18.More than 100 Southern California suppliers provide parts and software for the F-35’sbuilder, Lockheed Martin Corp.Chicago-based Boeing said in a statement, “We welcome the opportunity to continueour discussions with the Trump administration.”Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Md., said it was ready to support the review.“We are confident such a thorough and objective analysis will show that only the F-35,with its advanced stealth and sensors, can meet the 21st century air superiorityrequirements of all of our military services,” the company said in a statement.Since December, Trump has targeted the costs of both the Air Force One and F-35programs in tweets and speeches. He has met with both Boeing and Lockheed Martin’schief executives since then.But pitting an advanced Super Hornet against the F-35 is not a new idea. The U.S.Navy has been buying Super Hornets in greater numbers than the F-35 for years, saidRichard Aboulafia, aviation analyst for the Teal Group. The first F/A-18s flew in the1980s, and proved their worth in the 1990s during Operation Desert Storm.“It’s been the reality for some time,” he said.The F-35 has three variants to fit the needs of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.The Air Force version is the most common type, with many planes going to U.S. allies.The U.S. Navy is the predominant customer for the F-35C, Aboulafia said.

~end~

Star Dusters Newsletter 24 February 2017

COMING EVENT02-20-17 South Coast Satellite Luncheon (See Page 1 and Inserts 2A,

2B and 2C)03-15-17 Day Trip to the Petersen Auto Museum (See Pages 19 and 20

and Insert 3)MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

Happy New Year from Logix!

We are pleased to announce the Credit Union will once again pay a LoyaltyDividend to qualifying members. The 2017 dividend will total $3 million and will becredited to accounts in February (what a great way to start the year!).

We wish our Star Duster friends all the best in 2017.

To learn more, visit www.lfcu.com or give us a call at (800) 328-5328.

Logix Federal Credit Union is pleased to support the Star Dusters newsletterpublication._____________________________________________________________________Editor: Betty O’Connor Associate Editor: John Sheltonbjoc54@verizon.net or (818) 361-0419 editor@lmstardusters.org

Star Dusters NewsletterP. O. Box 10310Burbank, CA 91510-0310

Change Service Requested

PSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMMP DIRECT

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 1, Page 1 February 2017Star Duster Directors, Officers, & Coordinators – January 2017

President Dennis FernandezImmediate Past President Vic Saucedo1st Vice President John Larson2nd Vice President Cheryl O’Leary

DirectorsGary Belie Richard McCubbinsBarbara Christie Don MeenaTony DiPasquale Tom OatwayBernie Dourisboure Betty O’ConnorDennis Fernandez Cheryl O’LearyEd Glasgow Ross ReynoldsGary Hafen Gerald RuppertTerry Kleintop Vic SaucedoJohn Larson Tom Spanos

.Officers

Editor Newsletter Betty O’ConnorAssoc. Editor Newsletter John SheltonRecording Secretary Susan JonesAssoc. Recording Secretary OpenCorresponding Secretary Barbara ChristieAssoc. Corresponding Secretary OpenMembership Secretary Cheryl O’LearyAssoc. Membership Secretary Terry KleintopTreasurer John LarsonAssoc. Treasurer Gary Hafen

CoordinatorsRecreational Activities Tom OatwayDay Trips Gary BelieRetiree Information/Survivor Assistance Barbara ChristieMailing & Support Services Bernie DourisboureLegal Advisor OpenPhotographer Tom SpanosAssoc. Photographer Rich McCubbinsFinancial Advisor Gary RileyAssoc. Financial Advisor Mike SandbergMedical Mel KovnatReunion Coordinator – Spring Al Stacey/John MercerReunion Coordinator – Fall Susan JonesJuly Barbeque Tom Morgenfeld

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 1, Page 2 February 2017Star Duster Directors, Officers, & Coordinators-January 2017

Corporate News Peter A. HarriganMembership Recruitment & Enhancement Terry KleintopSatellite Activity Ed GlasgowWeb Site/Database Mike McKinneyAssociate Web/Site Database Coordinator Alex Loewenthal (Acting)Travel Coordinator Ann HydenRaffle Coordinator Tom Oatway

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 2 A February 2017

STAR DUSTERS SOUTH COAST SATELLITE LUNCHEONMONDAY, FEBUARY 20, 2017

GEMMELL’S RESTAURANT, DANA POINT HARBOR34471 GOLDEN LANTERN STREET

DANA POINT, CA 92629949-234-0064

HAPPY HOUR: 11:00 AM (no host bar)

LUNCHEON: 12:00

COST: $26.00 per person

DEADLINE: Reservations must be received by February 13, 2017

SPEAKER: Tom Blake, author and newspaper columnist in southernOrange County

CANCELLATIONS: Refunds will be made when requested before the luncheon, with aself-addressed, stamped envelope.

MENU ENTRÉE’S (choose one)CHICKEN AND MUSHROOM CREPESAND DABS WITH LEMON BUTTER

CHICKEN BREAST, CHOICE OF PICATTA OR MARSALA SAUCEPOACHED SALMON WITH MUSTARD BRANDY CREAM SAUCE

PORK TENDERLOIN W/MADEIRA WINE MUSHROOM DEMI-GLAUCE

ALL ENTRÉES INCLUDE A CHOICE OF CREAM OF MUSHROOM OR ASPARAGUS SOUP OR SALAD: BABYGREEN OR CAESAR

COFFEE AND DESSERT INCLUDED

DIRECTIONS:COMING FROM L.A. AREA:

TAKE INTERSTATE 5 TO CROWN VALLEY PARKWAY AND TURN RIGHT FOR ABOUT A MILE TO GOLDEN LANTERN. TURN LEFT ONGOLDEN LANTERN. MAKE THE 1ST OR 2ND RIGHT AFTER YOU CROSS DANA POINT HARBOR DRIVE

GO STRAIGHT BACK TO THE RESTAURANT

COMING FROM SAN DIEGO AREA:TAKE INTERSTATE 5 TO BEACH CITIES OFFRAMP. STAY ON THE HWY 1 TO “L” AT DANA POINT HARBOR DRIVE, THEN LEFT AT

GOLDEN LANTERN,RIGHT INTO THE CENTER AND GO STRAIGHT BACK TO THE RESTAURANT

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 2 B February 2017

RESERVATION FOR:

STAR DUSTERS SOUTH COAST LUNCHEON AT DANA POINT HARBOR

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017

DEADLINE : FEBRUARY 13, 2017

CANCELLATIONS: REFUNDS WILL BE MADE WHEN REQUESTED

BY END OF DAY: FEBRUARY 13, 2017

COST: $26.00

CLIP ON LINE, ENCLOSE CHECK PAYABLE TO: JULIUS OLZER

MAIL TO:

JULIUS OLZER

32 PALOMINO LANE, RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA 92694-1806

CLIP HERE AND MAIL-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STAR DUSTERS SOUTH COAST SATELLITE LUNCHEON

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017 DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2017

PLEASE RESERVE __________LUNCHEON $26.00 PER TICKET

ENCLOSED IS MY CHECK FOR $__________

(MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO JULIUS OLZER)

PLEASE PRINT ALL NAMES

PLEASE PUT_________________________________________________ON MY NAME TAG

PLEASE PUT _____________________________________________ON GUEST NAME TAG

STAR DUSTERS NAME________________________________________________________

LUNCH CHOICE______________________________________________________________

LUNCH CHOICE______________________________________________________________

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 2 C February 2017

TOM BLAKE BIOTom Blake is an author and newspaper columnist in southern Orange County,CA., specializing in love and relationships after the age of 50. Since his first

column was published July 4, 1994, Tom haswritten more than 3,500 newspaper and E-newsletters articles; he is one of the mostknowledgeable men in America on the topic offinding love after 50. Mature singles aged 50-95are Tom’s audience.His “On Life and Love After 50” articles arefeatured twice a month in The Dana Point Times,San Clemente Times, and The CapistranoDispatch (San Juan Capistrano). For 16 years,Tom was a columnist for The Orange CountyRegister.Tom’s columns also appear in six 50 plus Lifenewspapers in Pennsylvania.

He is the author of four printed books and several Ebooks. Tom has beeninterviewed by Jack Ford and Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show, and by DianeSawyer on Good Morning America.Tom’s first book is titled, “Middle Aged and Dating Again.” His friend, countrymusic singing legend, Johnny Cash, endorsed the book by stating: “In the 20years I have known Tom Blake, he has become an authority on dating andrelationships.”Tom’s second book is titled, “Finding Love After 50: How To Begin. Where ToGo. What To Do.” John Gray, Ph.D., author of Men Are From Mars, Women AreFrom Venus,” endorsed the book, “A unique relationship book that addresses animportant and growing niche of singles—those aged 50 and above. Easy to readand informative. Tom Blake is an expert on dating after 50.”His third book is titled, “How 50 Couples Found Love After 50.”Tom lives in Dana Point, California with Greta, his partner of 19 years. They metin his deli (Tom founded and owned Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point for 26years) when she ordered a fresh carrot juice and he asked her to dinner.Romance after 50 bloomed before the first sip of carrot juice.Contact Tom Blake: tompblake@gmail.comWebsites:www.FindingLoveAfter50.comwww.Vicsta.comwww.TravelAfter55.com

Star Dusters Newsletter Insert 3 February 2017

Star Dusters Day Trip - Petersen Automotive Museum15 March 2017

Registration Form

Member Name: _______________________________________________________________

Cell Phone Number_____________________________________________________________

Email Address_________________________________________________________________

Total Number in Party (No children under 10) @ $30 ea: __________________

Total Enclosed _________________________

Please mail Registration Form and payment to Gary Belie, 11564 Coralberry Ct., Moorpark, CA93021 to arrive by 28 February 2017 or register on line at https://lmstardusters.org/