After working as the courseware lead for the VH-71 (Presidential Replacement Helicopter) program for over a year, their funding was cut and I became the Lead Subject Matter Expert for the Republic of Singapore Air Force Basic Wings Course, I had previously helped develop the Rotary Wing flight syllabus for the RSAF. I am also assisting with LM's pursuit of the UK-SAR Helicopter program providing SME support.
Would enjoy getting together with former squadron/ship/class mates and former flight students.
Other Comments:
I remarried in 2006 to Pattie Higgins. I was medically retired (TDRL) from the Reserves in October 2006 for vertigo caused by Meniere's Disease which occured while I was mobilized as a helicopter flight instructor for HT-18 (in October 2003). I was permanently retired in October 2008. I am unable to fly these days, but stay active in aviation with my current position at Lockheed Martin. Pattie and I now live in the Orlando area.
USS Antrim (FFG-20) was the twelfth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry class of guided-missile frigates. She was named for Rear Admiral Richard Nott Antrim (1907–1969). Ordered from Todd Pacific, Seattle, Washington on 28 February 1977 as part of the FY77 program, Antrim was laid down on 21 June 1978, launched on 27 March 1979, and commissioned on 26 September 1981
USS ANTRIM was homeported in Mayport, Fla. After decommissioning the ship was given to the Turkish Navy on August 27, 1997, and was recommissiond as TCG GIRESUN (F 491).
General Characteristics: Awarded: February 28, 1977
Keel Laid: June 21, 1978
Launched: March 27, 1979
Commissioned: September 26, 1981
Decommissioned: May 8, 1996
Builder: Todd Pacific Shipyards Co., Seattle Division, Seattle, Wash.
Propulsion system: two General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines, two 350 Horsepower Electric Drive Auxiliary Propulsion Units
Propellers: one
Blades on each Propeller: five
Length: 445 feet (133.5 meters)
Beam: 45 feet (13.5 meters)
Draft: 24,6 feet (7.5 meters)
Displacement: 4,100 tons
Speed: 28+ knots
Aircraft: one SH-2F (LAMPS 1)
Armament: one Mk 13 guided missile launcher (36 Standard (MR) and 4 Harpoon missiles), one Mk 75 76mm/62 caliber rapid firing gun, MK 32 ASW torpedo tubes (two triple mounts), one Phalanx CIWS
Crew: 17 Officers, 198 Enlisted
Best Moment Watching the sunrise while sitting in the cockpit after my final flight in the SH-2F Seasprite helicopter.
Other Memories This was a last minute assignment as the Maintenance Officer to fill in for Mike Maquera (who was with me on my first cruise on the USS Connole). My fly-off was cancelled when tires were damaged during rough seas fuel spillage. I was supposed to get a NALO flight out of the Naval Station in Mobile, but it was cancelled. So, my family came over from Mississippi and picked me up and I got to spend another weekend in New Orleans.