‘Greatest flying machine’ was lost

Published 9:00 pm Monday, February 3, 2003

I really did not want to comment on the loss of Columbia and her crew, but I soon discovered that I could not put behind me the memories of a machine that was so intertwined with my life experiences. I was born and raised in Everett, graduating from Everett High School with the class of 1966.

Please forgive me for not dwelling on the loss of the crew. That loss is of course the greatest tragedy. I personally did not know any of the Columbia crew members but I was very well acquainted with that shuttle.

When my children were in grammar school I worked on Columbia. When the media referred to Columbia as “NASA’s flying brickyard,” I recoiled. When the same media later declared Columbia “the greatest flying machine ever devised by man,” I rejoiced, my chest swelled with pride, and that pride will never leave me.

Over the years as a shuttle team member I met astronauts, senators, congressmen, governors and a host of newsmen and celebrities, but the crowning moment of my career was bringing a few of my grandchildren on a personal tour of space shuttle orbiter Columbia.

I extend my gratitude to Mark Johnstone, who was then the site director. Mr. Johnstone made it possible for so many Antelope Valley residents and their loved ones to see “the greatest flying machine ever devised by man.”

Palmdale, Calif.