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Magnificent Mavericks Book Signing

Ridgecrest, Ca. February 6, 2009 The China Lake Museum Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to preserve the rich history and legacy of the China Lake military/civilian partnership in development of Naval armament and technology through the auspices of the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology — held a very successful book signing for its premier author Elizabeth Babcock on January 29, 2009 at Carriage Inn. Ridgecrest, CA.

In brief remarks to the crowd attending the book signing, Liz discussed both Magnificent Mavericks and its predecessor volumes, (1)Sailors, Scientists and Rockets and (2)Grand Experiment at Inyokern. She pointed out that the title of her book gives a good idea of its contents, which focus on the wonderful mavericks who made China Lake and its Pasadena Annex so productive.

"If I've left out your project or you," she said, "I hope you will understand that the people and products discussed in my book are intended as mere examples of a vibrant period so productive that discussing all of it would result in an impossibly thick book."

She also gave credit to the many people who helped her along the way, pointing out several of the Magnificent Mavericks in attendance, including Frank Knemeyer and John Di Pol, both of whom were final reviewers on the book, and Tom Boyd, who created the book's cover art.

Liz said she was thrilled by the excellent turnout and hopeful that people who couldn't make the Book Signing would drop in at the China Lake Museum Foundation gift shop, the Maturango Museum, Red Rock Books in Ridgecrest, or buy their books on line at www.chinalakemuseum.org. The soft cover book retails through the Foundation for $29.95. The hardcover retail for $96.00. Taxes, S&H not included.

Liz Babcock retired in 1996 from a 24-year career as a civil servant at China Lake, during which time she served successively as head of the Writing Branch, head of the Publications Division, head of the Technical Library Division and head of staff for the Supply Department, earning her master’s in public administration from California State University, Bakersfield, along the way. Born in Lansing, Mich., Liz graduated with a degree in English literature from Kalamazoo College in 1960, the same year she and her then-husband came to the Indian Wells Valley. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of two.

Liz began Magnificent Mavericks a quarter of a century ago when she was a civil servant, and continued to work on it as she had the time after her retirement. The book encompasses the years 1948 to 1958 at China Lake, years that retirees look back on with nostalgia as “the fun years.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BOB PEOPLES, 760-371-3160 OR photos@pimages.com