Tuesday, February 27, 2001

By Mark Oliva
Okinawa bureau

GINOWAN — A Department of Defense Inspector General is investigating Department of Defense Dependents Schools Pacific.

According to documents obtained by Stars and Stripes, a senior DODDS official apparently violated Joint Federal Travel Regulations by flying first class on a recent work-related trip.

"We can confirm that the Department of Defense Inspector General has an open inquiry into matters involving the DODEA Pacific Office," wrote Susan Hansen, DOD spokeswoman, in an e-mail response to a Stripes query. "That inquiry is ongoing."

Hansen would not confirm who is being investigated and what violations allegedly were committed.

Mary Hibbs, spokeswoman for DODDS-Pacific said, "Our office cannot confirm or deny" investigations or inquiries. She said regulations don’t "permit public comment or remark" on investigations, even after the query has concluded.

According to the flight itinerary provided to Stripes, the official traveled first class on two legs of a seven-stop trip. All other flights along the route were business or economy class.

Costs for the trip were more than $5,700. It was not apparent what portion of the cost was for first-class travel. Travel documents show the official’s request for government-sponsored travel was estimated at about $2,000.

Travel regulations state that first-class travel is authorized, but only under special circumstances and specifically states, "Government policy is that members and/or dependents who use commercial air carriers on official business must use coach-class accommodations."

Exceptions for first-class travel are allowed "only when necessary." First-class travel is authorized when lower-class accommodations are not available, when handicap conditions prevent lower-class travel or for security reasons.

A transportation officer or agent must note that first-class travel is authorized on travel orders.

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