Tom Sprague Luncheon

Captain Tom Srague '75, Explains Lockheed's P-3 and S-3 Programs at Chapter February 2004 Luncheon

CAPT. Tom Sprague, '75, USNR, a longtime employee of Lockheed Martin in the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Program, gave an excellent slide presentation and briefing on the Navy's workhorse aircraft, the P-3 and S-3, both made by Lockheed Martin. Tom, as a naval reservist, has remained connected to the VP community and told us that in one of his reserve VP command tours he relieved CAPT. George Watt, '73, USNR, as CO.

Tom showed us the number of countries that have purchased the P-3 and the different models and versions of the P-3 that have been put in service. He also described the long range plans for phasing out the S-3, which is now used exclusively by the U.S. Navy as a carrier based aerial refueler.

He also discussed Lockheed Martin's involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program and plans to use it as a follow-on for the F-22 Stealth Fighter and the F/A-18. Tom's presentation was very interesting and very pertinent to the Navy crowd present.

Chapter President Bill Rentz '55, welcomed several newcomers to the area and Chapter meetings, and described the ways available to renew Chapter membership for 2004. Of special note is the new "On-line Dues Payment" feature available to Atlanta Chapter members through the Chapter web site, thanks to the pioneering efforts of our webmaster, Bob Schultz ‘71. Only two other Chapters in the country currently have on-line dues payment. Bill also covered the Chapter's upcoming Social activities and the luncheon speaker schedule for this Spring. He urged everyone to call their classmates, shipmates, squadron-mates, and neighbors to get them to join us and not miss out on the camaraderie and fellowship that we share.

The following alumni attended the luncheon: George O'Connell '35, Paul Smith '42, Jim Ravenel '45, Jim Hatch '47, John Stark '51, Perry Stephens '51, Johns Jaudon '55, Bill Rentz '55, Mike Miller '56, Carl McCallum '60, Paul Hurst '62, Dick Fitzgerald '62 and his wife Dee, Tony Womble '63, Stew Caldwell '65, Jon Barton '66, Lee Whitfield '71, Steve Frederick '72, Ben McMillan '74, Gehrig Wiles '74, Michael Lores '74, Don Patten '74, Tom Sprague '75, Ed Brownlee '81, Linda Bolen '83, Gary Hoy '84, Mario Maddox, '85, Terry McElroy '86, Mary McElroy '87, Brian Pilger '93, Drake Henderson '94, Ken Graves '94, and Sonor Aksoy '00.

Click on a thumbnail image to view a full sized picture.

(l-to-r) Dee Fitzgerald, Terry McElroy '86, Sonor Aksoy '00, and Dick Fitzgerald '62.

Mary McElroy '87 and
Paul Smith '42.

Our guest speaker Tom Sprague '75 hits the buffet line!

Our enthusiastic server Kim and Chapter President Bill Rentz '55.

Tom Sprague starts his presentation.

Chapter President Bill Rentz '55 thanks Tom for taking time to educate us.