Rickenbacker Rescue

The above is photo is from October 1967.

It's been more than 10 years ago that Newark AFB learned of its pending closure, more than 40 years since the base's newspaper, On Target, was first published, and 45 years since the establishment of a guidance and metrology operation in Heath. From a complete collection of On Target newspapers and other archives, the Port Authority's Bill Wright created a month-by-month look at The Base through the years.

One Year Ago - October 2006
AFMETCAL/CSBG Hits Energy Conservation Targets. Air Force personnel were shared the results of one year's worth of their strong energy conservation efforts. One year's worth of data shows an incredible 25% reduction in gas usage and a 22% reduction in electric usage between October 2005 and September 2006. The achievement triggers an incentive clause in the Building 2 lease at the maximum level. A Thanksgiving appreciation luncheon in mid November marked the occasion.


5 Years Ago - October 2002
U.S. Senator Visits. COATC hosted U.S. Senator George Voinovich and his wife, Janet. The visit included a brief reception with representatives of the COATC tenants, local officials, and Port Authority board members. Children from the Southtowne Kids Club presented the Voinovich's with a welcome card. The visit also included a private briefing with Boeing officials, including a tour of the facility.


10 Years Ago - October 1997
The Port Authority celebrates its one year anniversary. The first Port Authority Board Chairman called this first year a success even though there was still plenty of work to be done. Wally Horton announced his retirement from the Port Authority.


15 Years Ago - October 1992
Deputy to the AGMC commander retires. Recognizing 30-years of federal employment, Fay Hoskins was honored during her retirement ceremony here. Serving as deputy to the AGMC commander for four years, she received numerous rewards and recognitions.


20 Years Ago - October 1987
Rooms named for early leaders. Three conference rooms on the base were named after men who are credited with getting the Newark AFB on its feet in the early days of existence. The two conference rooms located in the Open Mess were named after the first Base Commander Col. Thomas Lawton and the first Technical Assistant to the Commander Wally Horton. The conference rooms in Building 4 formerly known as the AGMC conference rooms were called the Ray Y. Bailey rooms. Mr. Bailey was executive assistant in the office of the AGMC Commander in the early 1970's.


30 Years Ago - October 1977
Production of the first LN-31 inertial measurement unit for the F-15 Eagle was completed here October 4, 1977.


35 Years Ago - October 1972
Gen. Catton Speaks to AGMC Managers. Gen. Jack Catton, new commander of AFLC, toured AGMC and was briefed on workloads and programs during a familiarization visit. Afterward, he spoke to management personnel and made significant remarks concerning his management philosophy and the importance of resourceful and motivated people to future mission accomplishment.


40 Years Ago - October 1967
Employee Remembers Rickenbacker Rescue. Davis Mills, a Minuteman inspector in cleanroom 8, met Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker again after 25 years. Mills met Rickenbacker in Columbus after arrangements were made by a local radio station for him to be at a Columbus Day press conference where the then 78-year-old flying ace was making an appearance to promote his new book "Rickenbacker -- An Autobiography. Mills last met Rickenbacker in 1942 when PT-26, the torpedo boat he was on, picked up Rickenbacker after he had been adrift for 24 days in a raft without food or water. A plane in the area spotted the life rafts and signaled the location to the PT-26. Rickenbacker's weight dropped from 178 lbs. to 126lbs during the ordeal. Mills was a cook on the PT boat and prepared the first meal for Rickenbacker after the rescue.


45 Years Ago - October 1962
The first IGS's arrived on October 22, 1962 and were part of the Atlas missile system.