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RETF Staff

Staff in control room — George Repas, Al Pavli, Wayne Thomas, Joe Eitzler, Neal Wingenfeld, and Ed Krawczonek (1982).

The Rocket Engine Test Facility (RETF) relied on a diverse group of researchers, engineers, technicians, and mechanics to develop test programs, install the hardware, run the tests, and maintain the facility. This skilled team, largely from the Chemical Rocket Division and its derivations, was responsible for the RETF’s significant accomplishments which resulted in its status as a National Historic Landmark.

RETF Personnel Articles (1955-2012)

Retiree Interviews

In 2003, Virginia Dawson interviewed several former members of the RETF staff while researching her history of the facilty. Transcriptions of these interviews are below.

Repas during interview — George Repas in 2003.

Tomazic during interview — Bill Tomazic in 2003.

Hannum during interview — Ned Hannum in 2003.

Goette during interview — Bill Goette in 2003.

Photographs of Staff Members

Man at control panel — Ed Krawzconek (1985).

George Repas (1981) — George Repas (1981).

Man at control panel — Neal Wingenfeld (1986).

Doug Bewley (1989) — Doug Bewley (1989).

Quentmeyer with plaque — Richard Quentmeyer (1977).

Bill Tomaczic (1955) — Bill Tomaczic (1955).

Sather and Silverstein shake hands — Bernie Sather (left) with Abe Silverstein (1955).

Kazaroff with rocket engine — John Kazaroff (1963).

Mansour and Hannum with RL-10 engine — Ali Mansour (left) and Ned Hannum (1963).

Eitzler points to control panel — Joe Eitzler (left) and Bill Harrison (1971).

Three men examine hardware — George Repas, John McCarthy, and John Klineberg (1982).

Men at control panel — Neal Wingenfeld, Mark Klem, and Ed Krawczonek (1984).

John Fortini (1970) — John Fortini (1970).

Bloomer with shuttle model — Harry Bloomer (1972).

Tomazic at desk — Bill Tomazic (1978).

Thomas with display panel — Wayne Thomas (1980).

Leopold and Thomas on test stand — Larry Leopold (left) and Wayne Thomas (1976).

Two men with cylindrical tank — Larry Leopold and John Kazaroff (1979).

Group in RETF shop — Maurice O’Brien, Mark Klem, Vince Scullin, Kathy Gavitt, and Gordon Dressler.

Three men in front of engine — Doug Bewley at center (1994).

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