H.W. "Bill" Bailey was involved in the construction of the first platforms built in the Gulf of Mexico in the early 50's. First, employed by Humble (Exxon), then by McDermott in New Orleans, he participated in the first use of skirt piles and launching techniques and the start-up and operation of the McDermott Fabrication yard in Morgan City. Under his direction this yard, the first exclusively for fabrication of offshore structures, has grown and been one of the most advanced in the industry and is still in operation today. The leadership provided by Bailey has been responsible for many of the innovative techniques that have been developed for platform fabrication, such as the Bullwinkle Project.