THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 14, 1996 TAG: 9601120015
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 27 lines
As founder and originator of the Blue Angels, and as a very old Tailhooker, I deplore Navy Secretary Dalton's denial of Commander Stumpf's promotion.
If the powers that be in Washington want officers who get promoted by using the CYA principle and the politically correct position, this type of political interference will get them these types.
But they won't get leaders, and they won't get fighters. Leaders and fighters are what naval officers are all about. I learned that in World War II during which I was awarded two Navy Crosses and three Silver Stars.
I have always tried to support the warriors against the bureaucrats and politicians. I will continue to do so, on into my 80s.
T. HUGH WINTERS
Captain, U.S. Navy (ret.)
Virginia Beach, Jan. 5, 1996 by CNB