ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 6, 1996 TAG: 9601080006
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
The commander of the Navy's exchange stores has agreed to step aside during an investigation of whether favoritism was shown to senior officers at the Norfolk Naval Base Exchange.
The decision was reached Thursday after the Navy Inspector General's office said it would broaden an ongoing probe that began last spring when workers at the store just outside the base's main gate complained about special privileges to flag officers.
Rear Adm. Jack T. Kavanaugh, head of the Virginia Beach-based Navy Exchange Service Command, agreed to turn over his duties to his deputy commander, Capt. Bruce Bennett, during the investigation, the Navy said.
``He is not being relieved of command,'' said Rear Adm. Kendall Pease, chief of Navy information at the Pentagon.
Investigators are looking into whether services that aren't available to most exchange customers were offered to high-ranking officers.
The alleged special treatment included delivering Christmas trees to flag officers' government quarters and providing fittings by tailors at officers' residences.
It wasn't clear what type of disciplinary action might result from the investigation. None of the allegations has been substantiated.
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