It was bound to happen soon. Those ladders are pretty steep for non-swabs.

From Billntwrk...
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/3600015/detail.html

There appears to have been a turnover of personnel and volunteers on the ship.

Here is what I know,

Pete Clayton is no longer the Chief Engineer.

Several volunteers, including Billntwk have put in a resignation notice.

That's all I know. When I got more information I'll post it here.

The ship has always had a turnover of personnel and continued on. I see no reason to think different now.

Press on.

Greetings Folks,
Buzz Speaks the truth. Yesterday, I tendered my resignation. It is contingent upon acceptance from the Board and my supervisor. A compromise is in the works. One thing is certain, I am 99% sure that as of August 25th (Wednesday) I will no longer be serving as a Team Leader in the Safety/Security Department.

Most of you that know me, met me or exchanged email are aware of my love for the ship and it's stated goals. This was not a decision reached lightly, under the cloud of Alcohol or what ever. It was a decision a reached with a heavy heart.

As always, I will keep Buzz "up to date" about my status only. I will not engage in speculation regarding others, the particulars surronding Pete Clayton's status or comment on what is going on behind the scenes at the ship. That would serve no one or be meaningful. I have way to much respect to discuss the players, their thoughts or particulars that I have no direct knowledge of.

When my status is more defined, I will send Buzz and email, let him choose to publish or not. :thumbs:

Like Buzz said, the ship will go on. It will continue to be successful. If nothing elsl, I will buy a membership and continue my support for the ship, in that manner. The ship /museumis more important then the folks running her. The people running her are important, don't get me wrong. But we can always be replaced. Anyone of us that thinks any different is just fooling ourselves. HEck, Buzz, Gene or Troy could move to San Diego, step into my spot and the ship would continue on as if I never existed.

I encourage all of you to continue your support in what ever manner you choose.
Billntwrk sends

Thanks Bill and I hope the new venture works out!

Greetings Folks,
I will continue my association with the Midway Museum. It will be limited to the Curatorial Deprtment under the supervision of KArl Zingheim and George Cagle. George is the ship's Curator and KArl is his superior assistant.

I will continue my association with the Safety/Security dept, working *Special Events" only. I will no longer be associated with the "Day to Day" running of the department. I will still work for Vic Vydra, just in a limited capacity. (Vic is really a good guy.)

Like I said earlier, I can be replaced, no problem. It saddens me to do this, but I was/am loyal to the former Chief Engineer. I also support the SDACM in it's goals.

Bill Hayes, from ACFT restoration and an original Pier Greeter, is taking over my Special Events *Lead* role and he is another really good guy.

Billntwrk sends

Billntwrk wrote:



Bill Persell: Thanks for all the hard work you put into Ol' Midway! AS a former crewman, I know of how much Midway means to you. All you did was to make a great ship GREATER.

Your service to the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum was in keeping with the Higest Traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Thanks again

Rander

Yesterday a prototype stealth UAV was displayed aboard the ship. Bill Hayes sent a photo you can see at http://www.cv41.org/gallery/navy_pier_bh/J_UCAS.

Looks like a mini B-2 with folding wings for carrier storage.

Hello All!
You just know that I have Pics of the X-47B. Only problem is, I had to buy an actual film camera. I forgot my digital cam yesterday . So, I will get the film developed this week end and send the pics to Buzz ASAP.

Cool Bill!

BTW - here is a good article from darpa on the J-UCAS (Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems)

http://www.darpa.mil/j-ucas/fact_sheet.htm

Hi Midway Fans

I was at the Aircraft Restoration Hanger today and the Museum has received 3 more aircraft.

1. A QF-4N from NAS Point Mugo that was flown to NAS North Island last Wednesday. It is equipped with a centerline and both wing external tanks, and wing pylons for sidewinder missiles. It also has 2 sparrow missiles in the forward fuselage stations. The aircraft was received from VX-30 BUNO is 153030. This aircraft will be painted with VF-21 on one side and VF-161 on the other.

2. The museum also received a SH-3G helicopter BUNO 149711. It looks to be fairly complete except for main rotor blades.

3. The last is a F-9F, Mostly a center-rolling fuselage with a few other assorted
parts. Looks like it will provide the landing gear for one of the other F-9’s that the
museum owns as the fuselage is to far gone to rebuild.

4. The C-1A is at the paint booth but has not started the process yet. Maybe this
coming Wednesday or Thursday.

5. F-4S #2 BUNO 153879 apparently will not be restored as it would require too much work to do it in a timely manor. Several parts were stripped from it for
The restoration of 153880 F-4S #1 and replacing these parts will require considerable time and effort. However that doesn’t say that if someone was willing to pay for this restoration that it would not be restored.

6. The T-2C buckeye has the wings installed and is now mobile. I worked this
aircraft for a few hours this morning and it is coming along nicely.

The C-1A is at the Paint Booth and the T-2 an the F-4B and the SH-3G will all quickly follow…… I heard that the Museum is planning to setup the hanger bay on board for small aircraft. I’ll have to watch and see where everything ends up.