THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, June 20, 1996 TAG: 9606180121
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Janelle La Bouve
LENGTH: 82 lines
David Hadley and his co-workers at the Naval Aviation Depot in Norfolk are witnesses to the end of an era.
The facility known as NADEP, which opened during World War II, is closing as a result of Department of Defense cutbacks.
Memories of the facility go way back for Hadley; both his parents worked there when he was a child.
``I remember hearing them talk about how proud they were to work here,'' he said.
Hadley's father, a metalsmith, worked on patrol flying boats. His mother was a graphic artist. She restructured and painted instruments for all different kinds of aircraft.
``I was so proud to go down there,'' he said.
Hadley joined the ranks of NADEP employees himself in 1961. First he worked on a patrol aircraft called a P2V, then in quality assurance, quality engineering and production planning. Currently, he is closing out the EA6B aircraft program.
``My people have always succeeded at every challenge I ever gave them,'' he said. ``We are certainly closing with pride. Some of these people know that they don't have a job to go to, but they are giving me 110 percent of themselves, and we're ahead of schedule for the EA6B program.''
According to Hadley, management begins with finding out what people like to do, then giving them an opportunity to get on with the task.
``Encourage them, give them some leading, then get out their way and let them do it,'' he said.
``I like to motivate people,'' he said. ``You have to set an example. Whatever enthusiasm you have has to radiate. For the best to come out, people have to feel good about themselves. We draw strength from people who are enthusiastic.''
After NADEP closes on Sept. 28, Hadley will continue to work on his three-acre lawn in Chesapeake with its 15 flower beds.
He also wants to keep his hand in the marketplace.
``I want to help someone out there start a business,'' he said. ``There's a lot of new technology that nobody's using.''
Full name: C. David Hadley Jr.
Hometown: Norfolk.
Fond childhood memories: ``Fishing with my father in the Chesapeake Bay in a boat he designed. He made the original of the first aluminum boat ever built.''
Spouse: Jennie.
Children: Charles III, Brian, Cheryl and four granddaughters
Occupation: Production superintendent at the Naval Aviation Depot, Naval Air Station, Norfolk.
Hobbies: ``I love to work in the yard. My wife helps me. Birds are one of my hobbies. The yellow finches are my favorite. They are so pretty. Sometimes I sit in my kitchen and keep track of nature. I love it.''
Last book read: ``My favorite is `The Ortho Home Gardener's Problem Solver.' It tells about bugs and how to control them. Bugs are our friends. They provide food for birds, and I love birds. But I try to use as many organic solutions as I can. I try to find ways to use fewer chemicals so I won't hurt the environment. Another favorite book is `Stoke's Field Guide to Birds.' ''
What's your favorite game? ``Football and auto racing.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Red. You can't be a beacon if your light doesn't shine.''
If you could be any tree, what would it be? ``I'd like to be an oak. I'd like to think I could help people be stronger. Maybe a little child would put a swing up in my tree, and I would be strong to give them pleasure and enjoyment. I love people.''
What irritates you the most? ``People listening to you and not hearing what you say.''
Favorite song: ``Sweet Caroline'' by Neil Diamond.
Favorite movie: ``I enjoyed `Dances With Wolves.' ''
Can't resist: ``Pastries.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I guess I need to be more patient.''
Favorite TV program: ``Home Improvement.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``With my family.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``My wife's homemade chicken and dumplings.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY by CNB