Robert L. Suggs

In 1949, Robert Suggs founded Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. using Bell helicopters to support the work of seismic crews working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and in the marshes of "inshore" Louisiana. Using this new technology that had emerged out of World War II, Suggs provided improved transportation services which found a ready market in the young offshore industry. By giving offshore companies a faster, safer, and more efficient way to transport both workers and specialized equipment, Suggs helped support the industry's move into deeper waters.