At Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Bob underwent intensive Combat Crew Training in the F-100 Super Sabre, the Air Force's first operational supersonic fighter and the primary close air support aircraft being deployed to Vietnam. The single-seat, single-engine tactical fighter was a demanding aircraft that required pilots to master high-speed, low-altitude operations while managing all aspects of flight, navigation, and weapons delivery without the benefit of a backseater. Bob's training focused on the specialized skills needed for combat operations in Southeast Asia: dive-bombing and skip-bombing techniques, napalm delivery, strafing runs with the aircraft's four 20mm cannons, and close air support coordination with ground forces. He learned to operate at treetop level in hostile environments, deliver ordnance with precision under simulated combat conditions, and execute the rapid target identification and attack profiles that would define his mission profile in Vietnam. The rigorous program transformed newly-winged pilots into combat-ready fighter pilots prepared for the dangers and demands of the air war ahead. 

In February 1967, Bob completed his Combat Crew Training at Luke Air Force Base and received orders for Vietnam. However, before deploying to combat, he first had to complete critical survival training designed to prepare pilots for the very real possibility of being shot down in hostile territory. His first stop was Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, where he underwent the Air Force's rigorous water and global survival training. This course taught pilots essential skills for surviving in extreme environments, including cold weather operations, water survival techniques, evasion tactics, resistance to interrogation, and escape procedures—collectively known as Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training.

From Fairchild, Bob traveled to Clark Air Base in the Philippines for specialized jungle survival training. In the dense Philippine jungle, instructors—many of whom had direct combat experience—taught pilots how to survive in the tropical environment they would face in Southeast Asia. The training covered jungle navigation, water procurement, edible plants, shelter construction, signaling and rescue procedures, and evasion techniques specific to the thick vegetation and challenging terrain of Vietnam. This hands-on training proved invaluable preparation, as F-100 pilots operating at low altitude in heavily defended airspace faced significant risk of being shot down. With his survival training complete, Bob was finally ready to join his squadron in Vietnam.

Bob's squadron maintained a constant state of "Victor Alert," with F-100 Super Sabres fueled, armed with nuclear "special stores," and ready to launch within 15 minutes to strike targets in Eastern Europe. The pilots underwent specialized training in the Low-Altitude Bombing System (LABS), a high-speed "toss bombing" maneuver designed to deliver nuclear payloads while allowing the aircraft to escape the blast radius. The squadron also conducted frequent rotational deployments to North Africa and Turkey to maintain proficiency in gunnery and conventional weapons delivery, serving as a frontline supersonic deterrent against Soviet forces during the height of the Cold War. 

In July 1970, Bob transferred to the 492nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, at RAF Lakenheath, England. As an experienced F-100 Super Sabre pilot, he continued to fulfill tactical fighter missions as part of United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). 

The 48th Tactical Fighter Wing served as a key component of NATO's defensive posture during the Cold War, with pilots maintaining combat readiness through regular training exercises and Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) rotations. 

Bob's duties included air-to-ground attack missions, close air support training, and maintaining proficiency in both conventional and tactical nuclear weapons delivery systems. 

Bob's assignment at Lakenheath represented the culmination of his operational flying. In April 1971, Bob returned to the United States and transitioned from active duty to the Air Force Reserves. 

During the three years in England, Bob and Linda visited the European continent and Bob spent temporary duty in such places as Spain, Germany, Italy, Libya and Turkey.  While at home in England, he also spent time on alert.  Daughter Brenda was born in Lakenheath, England on July 8, 1969. Daughter Dianne started kindergarten.

Bob's career accelerated with his appointment as Director of Finance in 1981, followed by Controller of International Financial Services in 1982, where he gained critical global financial experience. His promotion to Vice President: Corporate in 1985 positioned him among the company's senior leadership, setting the stage for his eventual CFO appointment. 

Appointed Chief Financial Officer in 1988, Bob led Upjohn's financial operations during a transformative period. His tenure culminated in 1995 when he played a pivotal role negotiating the landmark merger of equals with Pharmacia AB of Sweden, demonstrating both his financial acumen and strategic dealmaking capabilities.