THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 

                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 10, 1994                    TAG: 9406100023 
SECTION: FRONT                     PAGE: A18    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Short 
DATELINE: 940610                                 LENGTH:

CLOSURE PROCESS A SHAM

{LEAD} Congress lacks the courage to take responsibility for closing bases, so it enacts a law that creates an unelected commission to do the job. An ostensibly objective and non-political process is completely subverted by all manner of unaccountable military and civilian political players.

The base-closure process is a sham and a shame. Because today's leaders lack the nerve to serve the long-term interests of the country, organizations like Grumman Aerospace will continue to hire former admirals while charging millions more than organizations like NADEP Norfolk.

{REST} NADEP Norfolk has many military customers. These customers don't want their NADEP Norfolk work done elsewhere. It's a shame this fact hasn't been given weight.

HENRY C. WHELCHEL

Virginia Beach, May 24, 1994 by CNB