Drugs Widespread On Lowa—sailor (Press, 5 July 1989)
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Summary: Drugs Widespread On Lowa—sailor (Press, 5 July 1989)
A sailor from the U.S.S. Iowa, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Kendall Truitt, has alleged that drug use was widespread aboard the battleship, particularly in the crew that was involved in the turret explosion that killed 47 men on 19 April 1989. Truitt, aged 21, claims that several sailors had significant drug issues, raising concerns about safety when handling gunpowder. He pointed out that his friend, Gunner’s Mate Clayton Harwig, who perished in the explosion, had reported drug use to the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) prior to the incident. Truitt asserts that the Navy has attempted to place the blame for the disaster on him and that leaks about his personal life—suggesting a homosexual relationship with Harwig—are unfounded. Following the explosion, Harwig had named Truitt as the sole beneficiary of his $150,000 double indemnity life insurance policy, further complicating the situation. The Navy has not made public comments regarding the allegations of drug use or the statements made by Truitt, citing the ongoing investigation by the NIS. Truitt's lawyer, Ellis Rubin, has called for the Navy to issue a formal apology for allegedly tarnishing Truitt's reputation. Rubin mentioned that two NIS agents apologised privately for the leaks about Truitt but insisted that a formal acknowledgment and apology is necessary from the Navy. Additionally, during the investigation, Navy personnel reportedly questioned Mrs Truitt about her intimate relationships, including inquiries into her sexual history, which has sparked demands for an apology from President George H.W. Bush. Mrs Truitt feels that the invasive questioning is inappropriate and calls for accountability from higher-ups in the Navy. The situation continues to unfold as the investigation into the tragedy and the allegations proceeds.
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