bluedragon
Well-Known Member
I used to eat lunch on the back loading dock of Beckwith Electric. We were involved with Defense contracts, as well as, Utility contracts. However, I was there to watch the next door neighbors. A Company called General Defense, developed tracking systems for ships for the deck guns.......I grew up a Air Force Military Brat. It took a stop at my Dad's office to understand why we were shipped to specific bases and assignments. Dad had taken me to the Dr. On the way back .....he said "I have to stop at the office for a minute. Same rules, In or out of the building, but you must stay where I tell you to stay." "In" When you are 10, soldiers are a dream come true. Saluting, greeting etc. going in. Then the reveal .......I was told to stand inside a circle and not leave. Officers came from the elevators ....."Dad told you to stay in circle?" "Yes Sir" "Come here and let me show you something." "No Sir, I cannot leave the circle." Then I decided to look down and read what the circle said "Central Intelligence Agency." Then I knew .......As I got older, Dad would take me to see weapons testing and bombing runs ......new aircraft, rocket tests .....When I was 22, Dad asked what base I liked the best. Did not hesitate ....."Edwards" "Why?" "Where else did we ever see Clint Eastwood shoot a movie? or Shawn Connery? Or the TV series Rat Patrol? Dad was involved in the U2 and SR-71 Spy plane missions ....We understood that "War is hell" But a great place to test new weapons and systems .....Dad was in a special branch of the CIA.
There are weapon systems that haven't been seen in this conflict yet .....maybe didn't test out as advertised or performed as needed ......they will appear later. When CNN watched the bombing on Baghdad.... I would chuckle ......You would see the bomb strikes, followed by anti aircraft firing into the skies. My wife asked "What are laughing about?' "The F-117's are being used for the first time. They drop their payload, then head back home for another load and mission. The Iraqi's have no idea they are just shooting holes in the sky. They can't get them on radar."
There are weapon systems that haven't been seen in this conflict yet .....maybe didn't test out as advertised or performed as needed ......they will appear later. When CNN watched the bombing on Baghdad.... I would chuckle ......You would see the bomb strikes, followed by anti aircraft firing into the skies. My wife asked "What are laughing about?' "The F-117's are being used for the first time. They drop their payload, then head back home for another load and mission. The Iraqi's have no idea they are just shooting holes in the sky. They can't get them on radar."