Scott Nicholas
The Defense Contract Management Agency and Lockheed Martin co-hosted a retirement ceremony for a U.S. Air Force railroad switch engine that will be given to the Williston, Florida-based educational facility Kirby Family Farm.
DCMA said Tuesday the engine 1248 was previously used to transport C-5 Galaxy and C-130 Super Hercules parts as well as autoclaves for B-1 Bomber aircraft and Abrams M-1 tanks delivered to the Georgia Tech research facility.
Leonard Rishell, DCMA plant clearance officer, and Tammy Ellis, DCMA Lockheed Martin Marietta administrative contracting officer, selected Kirby Family Farms as the recipient of the engine with the help of the plant clearance process that works to boost reutilization of excess government material.
Jim Johnson, Lockheed Martin Marietta air mobility missions chief engineer, said the engine that previously contributed to the safety of the nation will now work to inspire children to build, design and dream.
Kirby Family Farm offers agricultural, community enrichment, educational, historical and recreational programs for at-risk and special needs children in Williston.
