REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (March 12,2013) -- Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Command commemorated 50 years since the dedication of its facility, McMorrow Laboratories, here March 12.
During the dedication of the McMorrow Laboratories March 12, 1964, Lt. Gen.(deceased) Frank S. Besson, Jr., former Army Materiel Command commander, stated that the "possibilities of work to be performed in the labs are staggering and the attainments limitless."
Employees, dignitaries and descendents of Maj. Gen. Francis J. McMorrow celebrated those accomplishments 50 years later.
"AMRDEC has always been on the forefront of providing capabilities to our Army and to our warfighters. They stand second to none in their ability to innovate and deliver engineering solutions," said Grace Bochenek, chief technology officer of AMC.
The guided multiple launch rocket system, the TOW bunker buster, the small organic precision munitions and the advanced affordable turbine engine are just a few of the innovations Gen. Dennis L. Via, commanding general of AMC, mentioned during his remarks.
Approximately 2,500 employees working for AMRDEC at Redstone Arsenal and about 10,000 worldwide are responsible for these advancements.
Despite the changes in the tactical environment and the passing of five decades Via said that one thing has remained the same -- "the quality of the men and women who work in this laboratory."
Via's comments also focused on the future of Aviation and missile development, "In order to stay ahead we must always move forward to develop the next generation of systems and that begins right here today inside this facility with the men in women who come to work here every day."
"With that in mind, we look forward to the next 50 years with hope and confidence that our Army and our nation will remain strong and free thanks to the great work being done here," Via said.
Following remarks, each of AMRDEC leaders chose items including command strategies, current artifacts and photos of personnel to seal in a time capsule.
Four of McMorrow's great grandchildren assisted in unveiling the time capsule. The young men promised to attend the 100 year anniversary ceremony in 2064.
Tom McMorrow, son of McMorrow, assisted in cutting the ceremonial cake and said the only sad thing is that his father would not want all the fuss, he would insist that the fuss would be about all of the people who did the work.
AMRDEC reports to the U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, which is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.
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