First oil

Not all days at a wellsite are equal. Our editorial advisor, Trent Latshaw, president of Tulsa-based Latshaw Drilling Co., has shared with us two unique “photo ops” that occurred in a two-month period, involving two of the firm’s rigs. First, on April 17, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited West Texas to stress the Trump administration’s support of oil and gas E&P. Part of his trip included traveling out to a wellsite where Latshaw Rig 45 was operating, Fig. 1. Accompanied by several state politicians, Pence addressed a well-attended rally at the wellsite.

Fig. 1. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visits Latshaw Rig 45 on April 17. Image: Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen.

 
Then, on June 5, a rare, massive dust storm, sparked by outflow from thunderstorms, descended on West Texas, rolling from west to east and engulfing cities that included Lubbock and Big Spring, among others. Caught in the dust storm’s path was Latshaw Rig 20, drilling some 20 mi north of Big Spring, Fig. 2. A rig employee caught this image of the storm, as it approached the wellsite.

Fig. 2. A rare dust storm approaches Latshaw Rig 20 north of Big Spring on June 5. Image: Latshaw Drilling Co.

It’s in the details. Last month saw the passing of retired Gulf Energy Information Vice President Bob Rust, who was a 45-year fixture at our company. A review of Rust’s life is on page 88, but we thought you would enjoy the following story.

Back in the 1960s, Rust hired a new assistant, a young man from Livingston, Texas, who was always well-dressed and drove a relatively expensive car. One day, he asked Rust if he might leave work early. Rust asked his reason and was told that he had to attend a meeting out of town. Rust asked, “where out of town,” and was told it was in Livingston. Concerned that the young man might have a family illness, etc., to attend to, Rust asked what kind of meeting it was. He was told that it was a bank meeting.

Wondering if he had a financial problem, Rust enquired, “what sort of bank meeting,” and was told it was a director’s meeting. Now, really puzzled, Rust asked, “why in the world” would he attend a bank director’s meeting. Reluctantly, the young man replied that he and his cousin were co-owners of the bank, which they had inherited from their grandfather. Needless to say, he made that meeting and others later on. Fig. 1. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visits Latshaw Rig 45 on April 17. WO

About the Authors

Kurt Abraham

World Oil

Kurt Abraham kurt.abraham@worldoil.com