THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 8, 1995 TAG: 9512080013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Your article on Adm. Richard C. Macke's remarks concerning the naval personel accused of raping an Okinawan girl implied similarities to the case of retired Adm. Stanley R. Arthur.
These cases are not similar. Admiral Arthur was hounded into early retirement by demagogic politicians because he dared to concur with the advice of several subordinates who recommended the termination of the pilot training of a female student who failed to meet the standards of naval aviation.
She substantiated charges of sexual harassment by lower-level officers, and they were severely and appropriately punished. However, Admiral Arthur showed no insensitivity. In fact, he was highly sensitive to the real issue of aviation safety and acted appropriately. He was later exonerated by Adm. J. M. Boorda, chief of naval operations, who belatedly expressed regret in not having supported Admiral Arthur before Congress and by the Senate which approved his retirement at four-star rank.
You need to set the record straight, and you owe Admiral Arthur an apology.
EDWARD A. O'NEAL
Norfolk, Nov. 18, 1995 by CNB