My co-worker in the 70's at the old Hughes Aircraft in LA went overseas to Shiraz with his wife as contract labor for Hughes.  Hughes was involved with Iran through the government due to the Tow missile system, and radar for the F-14 Tomcat.

Jim along with other engineers and technicians went to work in an Iranian factory to manufacture and support the Tow,  After the factory was established they  got a week's notice the Shah was coming to visit.  On the day of the visit all Hughes people were told to stay home.  Hughes told the Iranians there  not to turn on any equipment, or make any adjustments.  When Hughes people returned the following day the Iranians said the Shah was impressed.  Jim said for some reason the workers told him it was a clock factory.

Jim said the Iranians were notorious for screwing up the equipment when left unsupervised in those days.  He and his wife were provided with housing and furniture.  They were also given a chauffeur, that Jim believed was really a spy.  He was the one that gave them their first warning that the coup was coming.

In those days Hughes found it very difficult to impart any learning on the Iranians.  I'm not sure if it was a Hughes problem, or the learning skills of the Iranian.

In any event Hughes, Jim, and his wife barely got out before the Shah was overthrown.


Edited by Gil - 11 May 2017 at 12:30am

Another 49er wow!

I was trying for a 90 day early out to go to Long Beach State in '68.  I was doing topside watch while we were in dry dock at Hunters Point in when I heard Nixon was going to let Reservists out up to six months early to save money.  I was whooping it up topside so much on the mid watch people thought something was wrong.

The next day the XO at muster said I got good news and bad news for you guys depending on your outlook.  He said the Reservists will be getting early outs, but because of this they might have to double up on watches.  I told my shipmates I'd  do triple watches standing on my head to get out six months early.

Wound up going to Long Beach State (now CSULB) from '69 to '71 - I had finished Harbor JC before going active. It took me three years instead of what should have been two years to finish.  Realized I wasn't ever going to be an engineer.


Edited by Gil - 11 May 2017 at 11:42pm