THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 28, 1994 TAG: 9412280500
SECTION: MILITARY NEWS PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Staff report
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
BEATING PROBE UNDER WAY: A Navy investigation into the case of a female recruit who was allegedly beaten two years ago at an Orlando, Fla., boot camp is continuing. Agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Norfolk began the investigation earlier this month after the recruit reported suffering severe dizziness and head problems to doctors at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth. The woman said she was taken into a shower, where she was kicked and beaten with broom handles by company commanders who told her she had to pay her dues before she could lead men.
Is hazing prevalent in the military? Give us your opinion by calling the Mailbox number in the Military INFOLINE box below.
SAILING THROUGH THE SEASON: Nauticus is closing for the season Dec. 31, but the Navy history center inside remains open through the winter. Beginning Jan. 2, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum on the second floor of Nauticus in downtown Norfolk. The museum is closed Sunday, New Year's Day. One of 11 museums run by the Navy, the center features an extensive collection of naval prints, ship models and archeology focusing on the history of the Navy in Hampton Roads. The battle of the Civil War ironclads and the first aircraft carrier launch are among the exhibits. Admission is free to U.S. all military museums. For information call 444-8971.
NO WINDFALL AFTER ALL: Some retired military reservists who saw their Social Security benefits reduced under a budget-cutting plan can have the money restored under a new federal law. Beginning in January, the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Program no longer apply to individuals receiving a pension based on active-duty or inactive-duty service before 1988. The reason for the change is the Social Security Independence Programs Improvements Act of 1994. To see if you qualify for restoration of benefits, call Social Security at (800) 772-1213.
FAMILY SERVICES
Little Creek Navy Family Services is sponsoring a Single Parents Lunch and Learn program the second Tuesday of each month. The discussion group starts Jan. 10 and will explore issues including stress management, resources and budgeting. For information, call 464-7563.
COMINGS & GOINGS
THE SHRINKING MILITARY:
Ships Active-duty personnel
1990 580 1993 Officers 71,446
1992 519 Enlisted 454,945
1993 464 This week Officers 60,926
This week384 Enlisted 397,954
BY THE NUMBERS
SUSTAINING THE FLEET
For nearly 50 years, the Navy's largest floating eastern coast dry dock, Sustain, has hoisted Navy ships from the water and into the air so they could be repaired.
Constructed: 1945
Length: 622 ft.
Width (inside drywalls): 96 ft.
Height: 57 ft., 4 inches
Weight: 7,880 tons
Certified lifting capacity: 13,500 tons
It took Sustain 13 hours to complete the drydocking of the AEGIS cruiser Thomas S. Gates. by CNB