James Merrill:
CLASS OF 1955
Belcher High SchoolClass of 1955
Belcher, LA
Ida High SchoolClass of 1951
Ida, LA
Hosston Elementary SchoolClass of 1946
Hosston, LA
James's Story
Life
After High School, I went to McNeese at Lake Charles for a short while and then in Nov 1955, I joined the Navy. I spent 22 years in service, serving as an Air Traffic Controller. I worked in a VFR tower at NAAS WHiting Field, Milton FL. Then was assigned to an Airborne Early Squadron as an Airborne Radar Operator. During the six years there, I flew into Hurricanes during the Hurricane season and did fleet surveillance in the off season. Things like being in Lajes, Azores for the John Glenn flight into orbit around the world. We were there to find his capsule in case of an emergency. After that, I was assigned to NAS Jacksonville for 3 years as an Air Traffic Controller again. Then went to the Aircraft Carrier Bon Homme Richard for a 2 year tour, 2 trips to Viet Nam. Then to Albany GA as an Radar Approach Controller. Then back to the west coast to Coronado CA, assigned to a Tactical Air Control Squadron where we were the Air Traffic Controllers for the Amphibious Navy in the Pacific. While there, made 4 trips to Viet Nam and ended up in Haiphong Harbor doing mine sweeping operations, using helicopt...Expand for more
ers. Next assigned to NAS Lemoore, CA as a radar controller working Ground Control Approaches to the Attack Squdrons assigned to the base. Retired in 1977, got a job as a Dispatcher for a small cargo airline, in Mojave, CA. We hauled explosives for the military. Moved to Sanford, FL 1n 1979. In 1981, when the Controllers went on strike, I went to work for the FAA at Orlando, FL as an Air Traffic Assistant. In 1986 was selected as a Flight Service Specialist assigned to St. Petersburg Automated Flight Service Station. I am still there.
Workplace
After Retiring from the U.S. Navy, I took a job as a dispatcher with Express Airways, A small Cargo Airline, hauling exploses for the military. I was the company dispatcher. The company was located at Mojave CA when I started, and after two years, moved to Sanford, FL. I worked at Sanford for another two years and then in 1981, went to work for the FAA as a Air Traffic Assistant. In 1986, I was assigned to the St Petersburg Automated Flight Service Station at Clearwater, FL. I have been there ever since. Am retiring again May 05. Do not plan to work anymore.
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