-Caveat Lector- Congressman Hunter in the News... Printed in The San Diego Union-Tribune February 12, 1999 Hunter backs local Navy officer nearly blinded by Russian laser by Otto Kreisher COPLEY NEWS SERVICE WASHINGTON -- A San Diego-based Navy officer whose eyes were damaged by an apparent laser beam from a suspected Russian spy ship said yesterday he was injured by what was an act of war, terrorism or criminal conduct. But, Lt. Jack Daly told a congressional panel, nothing happened to the Russians while his Navy career is in jeopardy because of official objections to his claims. However, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, praised Daly for his "good service to the country" and said he would insist that the Navy treat the eye damage "as a service-related injury in every aspect, including its effect on his career." Hunter, who led a successful fight last year to keep a Chinese shipping company from leasing space at the former Long Beach Naval Station, also said he might try to bar Russian ships from ports with sensitive military installations. The incident involving Daly occurred April 4, 1997, in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the U.S. submarine base at Bangor, Wash. The Navy intelligence officer was flying in a Canadian helicopter monitoring the Russian merchant ship Kapitan Man, which appeared to be shadowing a U.S. ballistic missile submarine. A suspected laser device fired from the Kapitan Man left him and the Canadian pilot "victims of what could be argued was a hostile act in an undeclared war, an act of terrorism, and, at a minimum, a federal crime," Daly told Hunter's House Armed Services subcommittee on procurement. He and Canadian Air Force Capt. Patrick Barnes have since suffered persistent pain and deteriorating eyesight, Daly said. Although the use of a laser that blinds is a violation of international laws, "no formal or thorough investigation has ever been conducted into the incident," said Daly, now with Amphibious Group 3. Daly said officials from the State Department and the White House insisted on notifying the Russians that the Kapitan Man would be inspected a day later and severely restricted the search. No laser device was found. The Poway resident said he has been accused of fabricating the entire incident, his loyalty has been questioned and he was passed over for promotion. Daly, 40, began his service as a Navy enlisted man and has 16 years of service. If he again is denied promotion this year, he could be forced from active duty, less than four years short of eligibility for retirement pay. But Hunter said he would speak directly to Adm. Jay Johnson, the chief of naval operations, to insist that Daly's career be protected. Hunter said Daly's experience led him to hold the hearing, which examined protections for military personnel from unconventional threats. Senior officers at the hearing displayed the latest protective devices, including a variety of goggles or visors to protect against lasers. But none of those protective devices was available to Daly or to the U.S. Army helicopter crewmen who were injured by a laser device over Bosnia last year. They now are being supplied to troops where the threat of laser attack exists, officials said. http://www.house.gov/hunter/LtDaly.htm Bard Visit me at: The Center for Exposing Corruption in the Federal Government http://www.xld.com/public/center/center.htm Federal Government defined: ....a benefit/subsidy protection racket! DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
