Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, September 21, 1993                   TAG: 9309210155
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: NORFOLK                                LENGTH: Short

NAVY DROPS TAILHOOK CASE AGAINST OFFICER

Lt. Cole V. Cowden was to face court-martial Wednesday at the Norfolk Naval Base on a charge of conduct unbecoming an officer. The charge was based on a photograph taken at the 1991 Tailhook Association convention in Las Vegas that showed Cowden's face pressed against a woman's breast.

The woman in the photograph had said she didn't want Cowden prosecuted, and an investigating officer recommended dismissal of the charge.

Dozens of women have said they were assaulted by aviators during the convention, with some saying they were fondled and stripped of clothing.

Vice Adm. J. Paul Reason cleared Cowden "of all criminal misconduct" after a second review of his case, said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Good, Cowden's attorney. Reason is the Navy's top Tailhook authority.

- Associated Press