Capt. Gregory McWherter, Highly Controversial Target Of Navy 'Witch-Hunt' Breaks Silence
One of the most distressing events of 2014 may have been found in our observations of the US Navy's investigation and judgement of someone who had once been one of that service's most lauded flyers and commanding officers... until a quasi-secretive proceeding was brought against him that was condemned by hundreds of Naval aviators and other personnel who had served with him.
At an Admiral's Mast proceeding on June 2, 2014, a former commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron - the Blue Angels - was found guilty of violating Uniform Code Military Justice articles 92 (failure to obey an order or regulation) and 133 (conduct unbecoming of an officer) by fostering a hostile command climate, failing to stop obvious and repeated instances of sexual harassment, condoning widespread lewd practices within the squadron, and engaging in inappropriate and unprofessional discussions with his junior officers. As a result, Capt. Gregory McWherter was given non-judicial punishment in the form of a punitive letter of reprimand -- which ignited a firestorm of negative commentary, mostly against the Navy, for a process that was labeled as flawed, one-sided, politically motivated and based on questionable evidence.
Through it all, Capt. Gregory McWherter remained silent, professional and continued to serve his country. However; a Facebook posting (McWherter's first) on a page created to show support (and a lot of it) for McWherter is apparently 'Boss' McWherter's first comments (shown unedited, below) on the whirlwind of controversy that caught up with him in 2014.
A MESSAGE FROM BOSS McWHERTER:
Happy New Year friends!
This note is long overdue, but I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the amazing support provided to my family over the past 8 months and beyond! From loved ones and friends to squadron mates, shipmates, air show family, and especially our Blue Angel teammates, the response has been overwhelming! Thank you!
I think it would be fair to say that 2014 was an "interesting" year. Not the best and certainly not the worst in the big picture, but a challenging year none the less. However, tough times always bring out the best in people, and we have been absolutely blown away by the incredible kindness and heartfelt gestures shared along the way. The countless visits, phone calls, letters, and e-mails kept us afloat more than you know... the support on this FB page was an unexpected gift and truly made all of the difference in the world for the McWherter clan.
As most of you know, I am not a "Facebook guy". In fact, this is my first post of any kind in the social media world...it's just not one of my strengths. That said, I do have family and friends who take the time to forward me most of the comments. I have read them all and am not embarrassed to say that your posts have brought tears to my eyes. The photos, comments, and memories filled our hearts with joy and only strengthened our faith in people! Thank you!
I will never, in a thousand years, be able to personally thank each person for their individual help and support this past year. Sooo many people stepped up for us, and for that we feel exceptionally blessed and humbled. We will do our best to reach out to as many people as possible. In the meantime, please do me a huge favor (another one actually) and share this with everyone who was kind enough to post words of encouragement on our behalf.
Here is wishing everyone a wonderful 2015!
Kindest regards, Boss McWherter
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude
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