Tigger, you made a comment some time ago about being involved in special weapons...

What year was that?

I was a NW that turned into a GMT on the USS Hancock CVA-19. 1961 > 1964. Worked on Mk7, Boars, 27, 28, 105. If you must go to sea in the USN, go on a carrier! That is my motto and I am sticking to it!

My second cruise we had 43, 57 & 61.

Spent my whole 22 year career in that line of work. The last half was into AUW (Advanced Underwater Weapons) on great little bases at great locations. Look up the book "Keepers of the Dragon" by Jim Little. He is a good friend of mine that wrote a book of his career in Spec Wpns.

Then I worked for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Co. for 10 yrs. Are you familiar with the Trident subs at Kings Bay, GA? Worked there loading subs.

We handled B57 as well. As I was leaving in '83, there was a new one coming in but I can't remember what it was called. I remember when I got out of college and landed this job I was so excited to be able to read through the 'Red' books of engineering materials. There was SECRET in big black letters across the front.

I got to do trips on the Nimitz, Ike, Coral Sea (old boat) and Forrestal.

I did do one arrested landing but it was in a COD so no biggie. Still a thrill though.

And where did you work?

Dunno. It was there from '79 'till '83 when I was employed in Seal Beach.

Read this site.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/systems/b61.htm

As to where I worked. It don't matter. I had nothing to do with the B61 or any other bomb. I just read a lot and hear my brother talk. He is retired Air Force.

I guess it was bad to ask a question.

That article references Air Force. I worked for the Navy. But we definitely services and supported B43, B57 and B61 until the time I left in 1983.

I did a little more digging and found out the the B61 did replace the B43 but the last B43 was retired in 1991. Air Forse and Navy. Now I have to call my brother and set the story straight, and tell him he was correct.