COMMANDER INSTALLED; NEW OFFICER TAKES THE REINS AT AIR FORCE PLANT 42.

Byline: Jim Skeen Daily News Staff Writer

A lieutenant colonel who helped run Air Force space programs assumed command Thursday of Air Force Plant 42, becoming the leader of the Antelope Valley's second-largest center of employment.

Lt. Col. Robert Catlin will be responsible for an aircraft production and flight test center that employs about 9,000 people, second only to Edwards Air Force Base in Antelope Valley employment.

``Bob comes to us from the space world,'' said Brig. Gen. Robert Bongiovi, vice commander of the Aeronautical Systems Center, Plant 42's parent unit. ``His depth and wealth of experience should more than allow him to excel in this position.''

The change of command ceremony was held in a hangar with a B-2 stealth bomber, a B-1B bomber and an F-117 stealth fighter parked outside the door. It drew about 150 Antelope Valley dignitaries, including Rep. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, R-Santa Clarita; Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford; and Lockheed Martin ``Skunk Works'' President Jack Gordon.

``I am committed to creating an atmosphere of integrity, mutual respect and trust, and a sense of mission,'' Catlin told the gathering.

Catlin, 41, comes to Palmdale from Buckley Air National Guard Base in Aurora, Colo. At Buckley, Catlin was the director of contracting and acquisition planning for the Aerospace Data Facility of the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force Special Projects.

Catlin oversaw 11 major operations and maintenance contracts for command, control and product processing of Air Force space programs.

The ceremony also was used to honor outgoing commander Lt. Col. Pete Drinkwater, who is retiring after 21 years of military service.

Drinkwater was presented with a retirement certificate and a U.S. flag. His wife, Joanne, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Air Force.

``I don't think the Air Force could have done better in selecting Bob Catlin,'' Drinkwater said of his replacement.

Son of an Air Force sergeant, Catlin was born at Walker Air Force Base at Roswell, N.M. Catlin received a bachelor of business administration in marketing management from the University of Toledo in 1979. Catlin later earned a master of science degree in logistics management from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Catlin completed Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and received his officer's commission in January 1980.

Over the years, Catlin has held a number of contract management posts. He served as the administrative contracting officer for the Peacekeeper intercontinental missile systems and as warranted contracting officer for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization - the ``Star Wars'' program.

Catlin's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service medal with an oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation medal, the Joint Service Achievement medal, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with two oak leaf clusters, the Master Air Force Acquisition and Senior Air Force Space Operations badges.

Catlin is married to Cynthia Holliday-Catlin of Dayton, Ohio. They have a son, Anthony Gabriel Catlin.

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PHOTO (Color) Lt. Col. Robert Catlin, new commander of the Air Force's Plant 42 craft production and test facility, stands with an F-86 near his office.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News