Scuttlebutt

Before refurbishment -- API Rig 86 was a perfect home for the vines and wildlife in Larose, Louisiana.

December Rig Party
Another Success

Despite the cold winds, and threat of rain, over 500 people attended the send-off party for Rig 86. The new yard acquired by Roberds Johnson was the site for the complete refurbishment of the API rig that had been out of service for over fifteen years.

The rig towered above the demolition of the nearby cement plant, and provided many the opportunity to climb up to the galley for hot chocolate and cookies, or even higher, to view the heliport. Quality Catering provided the authentic Cajun fried catfish and seafood gumbo, while the guests were entertained by Jeff Foreman (Toolpusher on Rig 86) and his Zydeco Band.

	Finishing touches -- Rig 86 got the finishing touches just before the tent was heated up. Even the heliport was accessible to the party goers!
	Despite the inclement weather -- the attendees braved the wind to climb up on the rig floor to view the rig sections.

Workhorse IX Completes 1997 Incident-Free

Congratulations are in order for the crews and supervisors of the Workhorse IX for completing the full year of 1997 without a recordable incident to a crew-member. Toolpushers V.W. Kimble and Shannon Dyess stated that this accomplishment could not have been possible without the total commitment and team effort of all crew members. "Our crews are serious about safety and have adopted the attitude that accidents are preventable," stated Dyess. The last recordable incident reported by Workhorse IX was November 6, 1996. "That's over 420 days!" exclaimed Kimble proudly.

Keep up the good work and let's continue this example during 1998.

Management Group Attends Seminar

Management personnel from NABORS OFFSHORE, SUNDOWNER OFFSHORE and SUNDOWNER INLAND SERVICES were among over four hundred participants in a full-day management seminar conducted by Dr. Ken Blanchard. The seminar, hosted by the University of Houston, was held on December 4, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Houston. The theme of the seminar was "Building Gung Ho Teams," placing special emphasis on enhancing the relationship between managers and the people they support and depend on.

The NABORS OFFSHORE/SUNDOWNER group consisted of Operations Managers, Safety Personnel, and Claims Management personnel from the New Iberia and Houma offices. Representing the Houston Office were personnel from the Engineering and Human Resources groups. Each participant received a copy of Dr. Blanchard's new book, Building Gung Ho Teams.

Congratulations...
	are in order for Joseph D. Menard for his 31 years of offshore service to the company. J.D. started working as a Derrickman and then as a Motorman for Loffland, and retired as a Motorman from NABORS OFFSHORE last December. He is currently working part-time in the New Iberia yard. Thank you for so many years of service, and we hope you have a happy and prosperous retirement!