Clear skies ahead, or stormy future?

Naval cadets graduate under cloud of scandals

May 24, 1996
Web posted at: 10:50 p.m. EDT

From Military Affairs Correspondent Jamie McIntyre

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (CNN) -- In contrast to recent Naval Academy graduations held under stormy skies, the academy's Class of 1996 was saluted by a Blue Angels F-18 flyover that streaked across a backdrop of blue. (476K QuickTime movie)

But the sunny weather did not remove the cloud of troubles that hangs over the Navy, including scandals at the academy over cheating and drug use and last week's suicide by Navy Chief Adm. Mike Boorda.

The nation's top military officer, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. John Shalikashvili, told the graduating midshipmen that wearing America's uniform means living by a higher code, and surrendering to public scrutiny (825K QuickTime movie). "You must remember that constructive criticism, when honestly and wisely sifted, will make us stronger," Shalikashvili said.

But he also admonished the Navy's detractors. "While they scrutinize the problems of the few, they must also celebrate the accomplishments of the many."

Among those detractors, the most pointed critic has been former Navy Secretary James Webb. Webb accused Navy leaders of political correctness last month, deeply wounding Adm. Boorda in the process, sources say.

"Some are guilty of the ultimate disloyalty. To save or advance their careers, they abandoned the very ideals of our profession in order to curry favor with the politicians," Webb said.

On this proud day, few of the Navy's newest officers agreed. "I think it would be naive to say there aren't any problems, but they're minor, and they are being fixed," said Ensign Adam Stone.

The leaders of the future were joined at the graduation by two present leaders, both on the short list to take over as chief of Naval Operations: Acting Chief Adm. Jay Johnson, and Pacific Commander Adm. Joseph Prueher, whose son Joshua was the commander of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Both stood up for the academy. "I too am a graduate of this institution and am intensely proud of it every single day of my life," Johnson said.

But Prueher also said that changes should be made. "There are things that go wrong, and we need to face those things four-square, admit that they exist, and fix them," he said.

The message to the next generation of Navy leaders from the military's top officer: "What needs fixing will be fixed."

And from the Navy's civilian chief, these words about the problems of the past: "Forget it, and drive on."

Related stories:

• Naval academy charting troubled waters - April 18, 1996
• Sex harassment flap stalls admiral's confirmation - January 28, 1996

Related site:

• United States Naval Academy

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