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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. James Stonaha

Vern Bakewell was born 10/14/1923 and started his aviation career during WWII when he became a 4 engine aircraft mechanic & flight engineer. After completing basic training in Gulfport Miss and Buffalo N.Y. he was assigned to the Presidential Unit based in Washington D.C. from 1943 to 1946. Responsible for the maintenance of CH-54's he assisted in the transportation of influential individuals to France, Germany, Egypt and Turkey.

Upon his release from the army in 1946 he began a career with Sikorsky Aircraft that ended with his retirement in 1987.

He began his career as a mechanic on experimental aircraft such as the S-51 and S-55 helicopters

In 1952 he was involved with the nuclear tests being conducted on Eniwetok in the Pacific.

In 1953 Vern Bakewell obtained his pilots license.

In 1955 he became an Assistant Service Representative based in Georgia working on the H-19 moving up to Supervisor of Test Activities.

His next assignment was that as Manager of Service Representatives, assuming responsibility for the activities of Sikorsky reps stationed at military bases throughout the world. This work entailed the cooperation between Sikorsky and the governments that purchased Sikorsky helicopters making sure that the governments were satisfied with the product and service provided by the company.

Another assignment was that of Manager of Special Support Activities which included assistance in the planning of the attempted rescue of the hostages in Iran as it related to the use of Sikorsky helicopters.

His final assignment prior to retirement was that of Manager of Service Representative of all Sikorsky service representatives stationed throughout the United States. This assignment include the Sikorsky representatives involved in the helicopters assigned to Marine One—the Presidential Unit.

It only seems fitting that his career in aviation began as a mechanic assigned to the Presidential Unit and ended as the manager of service representatives working on the Presidential Unit.