Tuesday, February 27, 2001

From Stripes and special reports

Many Pacific sailors are frowning at the practice of allowing civilians on board Navy ships and submarines during exercises.

"Our military ships are not meant for show, but for the protection of our country," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Tina Marie Collins at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan. "It’s one thing to show them (civilians) around, like a ship tour, but if they want to be on a ship so much, they should join the Navy."

Civilians taking part in training exercises aboard ships and subs has been an issue since the USS Greeneville hit a Japanese fishing vessel near Hawaii on Feb. 9.

After the accident, the Navy stopped allowing civilians in the control rooms of submarines. And late last week, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld imposed a moratorium on allowing civilians at the controls of any military ship, aircraft or vehicle.

Contractors and other civilian workers who must operate military equipment as a part of their official duties are exempted from this policy.

Many sailors in the Pacific seemed to agree with the action taken.

Seaman Antonio Campbell of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Guam said civilians touring his workstation could be a distraction.

Because they might not understand the responsibilities of a sailor, civilians might easily get in the way, Campbell said.

"The only time civilians should be on military ships is when they are in port. I think the idea of having them on the ships was good for relations, but as we can see, they can be a distraction," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kim Christy at Sasebo. "During operations, safety is our first concern, not showing off."

Others were more blunt.

"I think civilians should not be allowed to ride on U.S. Navy ships," said Seaman Apprentice Katherine Gomez at Sasebo.

"Ships are for mission purposes. I don’t feel they (civilians) should be on ships unless it’s for a tour," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Lydia Hafer, also at Sasebo.

Some sailors cited security concerns.

"Why would you want to have a civilian there, when you have all this high security and high-tech equipment?" Chief Petty Officer Charlie Yalung asked.

Some sailors did see public relations advantage to allowing civilians aboard the ships and subs.

"I feel that it is very important to allow civilians the opportunity to witness what servicemembers must do on a daily basis in defense of their country," Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Noggle said. Although he disapproved of letting civilians participate in major procedures for which they are not qualified, Noggle said he didn’t see any problems with letting them observe.

"We need to show everyone what we can do," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ethan Coble of Sasebo. "It can be a good opportunity to share with families and friends what sailors do."

Petty Officer 2nd Class Corey Bond said keeping civilians in check during visits is the command’s responsibility. "I don’t see why (civilians shouldn’t be allowed on the ships,)" Bond said. "It’s up to the command to keep them out of the way."

Fred Knapp, Greg Tyler and Donovan Brooks contributed to this report.

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