GERALD CRADDOCK

Gerald Graves Craddock has been a member of NDIA and its predecessor organizations since 1962.

Gerald (Jere) Craddock retired from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Division in 1998 after 31 years as Engineering Manager of the warhead, fuzing and range safety subsystems for the new Patriot (PAC3) surface to air missile system. Other programs include Strategic Defense Systems, Space Defense Systems, advanced Tactical Missile warheads and dispensing subsystems, Foreign Technology Studies, Cruise Missile warheads and severance systems and advanced warhead research and development for guided projectiles, anti-armor, anti-materiel, anti-ship, anti-runway, anti-aircraft and anti-personnel weapons.

Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Craddock was product manager for Exploding Bridgewire devices for missiles and for the Apollo space program at Teledyne McCormick Selph.

After discharge from the U.S. Navy, Jere joined Martin Marietta, Orlando Division as designer of the operational warhead reentry vehicle, propulsion systems and ordnance systems for the Pershing I missile system.

After completing flight training, Jere joined Fighter Squadron 13 in 1958 as Naval Aviator and flew the F9F-8 Cougar before transitioning to the F4D-1 (F6) Skyray all weather interceptor and deployed aboard the USS Essex to the Mediterranean Sea.

Mr. Craddock also flew the A4D-1/-2 Skyhawk in U. S. Navy Reserves.

Jere received a Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Engineering after completing the U. S. Navy NROTC program at Georgia Institute of Technology in 1956.

Mr. Craddock has received three U. S. patents and two foreign patents.