Inside The Tailhook Scandal

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 reunion’s conclusion, rumors of a raucous late night gauntlet made up of junior officer jet jockeys began to surface. It wasn’t 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 Navy’s 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 Aviator’s 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 story’s twists and turns, the obstacles and machinations, and the major players many of whom were Vietnam comrades-in-arms, mentors, and close personal friends.