Inside The Tailhook Scandal: A Naval Aviator's Story

When thousands of naval aviators and flight officers gathered in Las Vegas in September 1991 to celebrate their victory in the First Gulf War none could have imagined that their behavior during Tailhook 91 would have such devastating consequences for the Navy. Just weeks after the annual reunions conclusion rumors of a raucous late night gauntlet made up of junior officer jet jockeys began to surface. It wasnt until a female Navy lieutenant complained in writing to her Navy superiors and in person to former Navy captain Sen. John McCain that the disturbing details came to light. Thus began the greatest upheaval in the history of the US Navy. For nearly three years it remained a compelling front-page drama even making it to the private quarters of the White House. Although the scandal caused forced retirements among the Navys top brass courts-martial investigations and lawsuits many remain convinced that justice has still not been served. Complete with photographs and original documents Inside the Tailhook Scandal: A Naval Aviators Story is a personal account from the perspective of a naval aviator who was an insider having first worked in the Navy office which sponsored Tailhook 91 and subsequently in the Navy office which conducted one of the initial investigations. It describes the storys twists and turns the obstacles and machinations and the major players many of whom were Vietnam comrades-in-arms mentors and close personal friends.