The plane just then was being equipped, presumably for its use on Byrd’s forthcoming Antarctic trip. Stultz and Gordon were supposed to be in Byrd’s employ, and Commander Robert Elmer, U.S.N. retired, was directing technical activities. [Illustration: description: Photo wide overhead shot of Earhart in flight gear escorted by police through a crowd caption: WELCOMED BY THE SOUTHAMPTON CROW © _Wide World Photos_ ] [Illustration: description: Photo full shot Earhart laying wreath at the base of the Medford, Massachusetts Honor Roll Memorial image text: ... IN THE ARMY, THE NAVY, AND THE MARINE CORPS. AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE WORLD WAR. MCMXX caption: AT MEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS ] Our purpose was to keep the plans secret. Once the world knew, we should be submerged in a deluge of curiosity making it impossible to continue the preparations in orderly fashion. Then, too, it would do no good to aviation to invite discussion of a project which some accident might delay. Actually the pontoon equipment on this type of plane was experimental, and no one definitely could tell in advance whether or not it would prove practicable. Another objection was the possibility of instigating a “race,” which no one wanted. Mrs. Guest proposed that the Friendship, as she afterwards named the plane, should cross the Atlantic irrespective of the action of others. By our example we did not want to risk hurrying ill-prepared aspirants into the field with possible tragic results. Only twice did I actually see the Friendship during all this time. I was pretty well known at the landing fields and obviously it might provoke comment if I seemed too interested in the plane. For this reason I had no chance to take part in any of the test flying. Actually the first time I was off the water in the Friendship was the Sunday morning when we finally got under way. The preparation of a large plane for a long flight is a complex task. It is one that cannot—or at least should not—be rushed. Especially is that fact true where, as in the case of the Friendship, the equipment was of a somewhat experimental nature. Throughout the operations Commander Byrd kept in close touch with what was being done, with Stultz and Gordon, and with Commander Elmer, who was overseeing the technical detail. Necessary instruments were installed and gradually tried out; while varying load tests, countless take-offs from the bay, and brief flights around Boston were made. The radio was tested and the inevitable last minute changes and adjustments arranged. With the radio, we were particularly fortunate because Stultz is a skilful operator. It is unusual to find a man who is a great pilot, an instrument flyer, navigator, and a really good radio operator all in one.