Building dedication memorializes pioneer for contributions to science, AF

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A pioneer in missile guidance systems, Dr. Henry "Doc" Register, was honored Jan. 5 with the renaming of Building 22 to the Register Physical Sciences Center. A memorial was placed in its foyer, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to military and country. 

Known around the base as simply Doc, Dr. Register spent more than 52 years at Eglin, 32 of them in Bldg. 22, and was one of the leading pioneers in the development of laser guided smart weapons, Massive Ordinance Air Blast Bomb and direct energy weapons. 

Born in Oates, S.C., in 1929, Dr. Register grew up on a cotton and tobacco farm as the oldest of the family children. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering at Clemson University in 1951 and had two years of military service in Ohio before being assigned to the 3208th Test Group at Eglin in 1954. 

One of his first projects was the conversion of test data acquisition from analog to digital format. This included both aircraft and ground sensors and data recording devices. Later, he became the lead in pursuing Infra Red measurements as they applied to IR Seeker and countermeasures evaluations. 

"While Dr. Register's technical capabilities were outstanding, they were not his only invaluable accomplishments," said Howard Dimming, retired Chief Scientist, Armament Division, Air Force Systems Command. "Dr. Register showed he was a rare breed for he proved himself to be a skilled and effective manager while still maintaining his technical leadership and skills." 

Under the direction of Dr. Register, Eglin built up its weapons systems testing facilities in the 1970s, including the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility, the Preflight and Integration of Munitions Systems, the Seeker Test and Evaluation Facility and the Seeker Test Van, all of which are still an important part of the Eglin capabilities of today. 

Along with his exceptional scientific prowess, Dr. Register was a teacher at heart and was ready to spread knowledge to anyone willing to listen. 

"Dr. Register spent a lot of time talking to kids and being a mentor to the younger scientists to help grow the next generation," said Dr. Steve Butler, Executive Director, Air Force Material Command. 

Dr. Register added visionary to his list of skills when he helped establish the University of Florida Graduate Engineering Research and education Center. There he guided the academic agenda and reach students as an instructor. 

"When you talk to Henry, one naturally questions what makes this guy tick," said Maurice Forbragd, a friend of Dr. Register. "First was his devotion to God, second was loyalty to his country, and third was dedication to his family." 

Dr. Register's wife, Annette Register, said she and Doc lived a full life, with his greatest joy being his children and later on his grandchildren. Even though he worked a lot he was very dedicated to his son Andy, and his church. 

"Though my father's involvement always improved the outcome, he preferred to see that those around him were honored," said Doc's son, Andy Register at the ceremony. "I thank you for not allowing his accomplishments to fade into history."