THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, May 6, 1996 TAG: 9605040004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
The fascinating aerial maneuvers bravely executed by our Navy's Blue Angels evoke memories of so many courageous young men's sacrifices.
My own experiences date from World War II, when the Japanese and their Zeroes clobbered us (until we killed their pilots by sinking carriers in the Battle of Coral Sea) and when my service, the Air Force, suffered 30 percent casualty rates until mid-1944 in Europe. Brave men all.
Somehow the Navy's admirals soiled that memory four years ago by blaming 40 or so junior officers for the debauchery of ``Tailhook.'' What hypocrisy!
The admirals were responsible for providing leadership, management and policy; they should have done the honorable thing by falling on their swords.
Congress was negligent in its oversight duties. Yet all members did was run and hide.
Three cheers for General Krulak. He at least did not throw his Marines to the sharks when passing judgment on their Tailhook behavior.
After four years of writing appeals to Congress members (most, like Patricia Shroeder, wouldn't answer) former and current military leaders and presidents, I'm stymied.
Is there no senior officer with the courage to step forward? To take up the cause?
God bless those 40 brave young men, former pilots and our shipmates for eternity. God help them.
MEL ASTON
U.S. Air Force (ret.)
Williamsburg, April 20, 1996 by CNB