At RC my FLIR projects required a lot of attention, and I had to interface with the parent company in Culver City and El Segundo. The company promoted me to Senior Manufacturing Engineer. I was responsible for the entire manufacturing operation of the B-52 FLIR detector. Numerous other, smaller programs were also channeled my way. I liked the variety, but I didn't like my salary. I wasn't paid enough for my many responsibilities....

A Secret Meeting?

One day in 1974 we were called to a meeting. The security was unusual. Our ID-tags were scrutinized and only employees with a minimum of "secret"clearance were admitted. An armed guard was at the door and after we had entered, the doors were locked.

We were shown a video tape of one of Mr. Hughes greatest stunts. In 1968the atomic powered Russian submarine K129 had sunk in 1,500 ft. of water 700 miles northwest of the Hawaiian Islands. According to intelligence it had missiles and torpedoes with nuclear warheads on board,so the CIA wanted to get their hands on that sub. Some of their operatives approached the Global Marine Company in California to secretly build a ship that could raise the sub.....

The Beginning of the End of My Marriage

Martha suggested a trial separation. She was determined to stay in the house after the divorce. She had tried to lock me out of it once before, and I had told her never to try that again. I couldn't see any need for her to have the house. I had paid for everything, while she salted away her income. I agreed to a trial separation and a renegotiation after that, and started to look for a place to live....