Navy Reinstates Admiral Fired in Ashtray Scandal
Navy Secretary John Lehman today ordered the top officer at Miramar Naval Air Station, dismissed during the recent scandal over exorbitant prices paid for spare parts, reinstated to his post.
Rear Adm. Thomas Cassidy had denied responsibility for the alleged overpayments by the Navy for items including aircraft ashtrays, socket wrenches and landing gear ground locks.
Dan Greenblatt, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Bill Lowery (R-San Diego), said the congressman received word of Cassidy’s reinstatement from Lehman.
Greenblatt said Cassidy’s overall performance record was taken into consideration in the decision to reinstate him.
Capt. Gary E. Hakanson, commanding officer of the Naval Air Station and Cmdr. Jerry L. Fronabarger, supply officer at the base, were not reinstated.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
