Navy to Try 2 Accused of Gulf Mutiny Plot

The U.S. Navy on Friday ordered two sailors to stand trial for allegedly trying to lead a mutiny on the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Ranger in the Persian Gulf to support Saddam Hussein’s call for a Muslim holy war against the United States.

A Navy spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Mukri, would not say whether the two were Muslims.

The Navy identified the two as Airman Apprentice Abdul H. Shaheed, 22, of St. George, S.C., and Seaman Apprentice James L. Moss, 21, of Columbus, Ohio. There were conflicting reports over Moss’ hometown.

Shaheed and Moss are accused of “urging disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty” while aboard the Ranger in January, according to a statement issued at the U.S.-run Subic Bay naval base.

The two allegedly encouraged fellow sailors to sabotage the Ranger’s aircraft launch system and kidnap the skipper, Capt. Ernest Christensen, the Navy said.

No date for the court-martial has been set, but it will probably be held at Subic Bay, 50 miles west of Manila, the Navy said.

Mukri said an investigation found that Shaheed and Moss encouraged sabotage to support Saddam’s call for a worldwide holy war against the United States for its military moves against Baghdad after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August.

If convicted, the sailors could receive dishonorable discharges, 10 years’ imprisonment, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to the lowest rank.

The Navy announced March 8 that a third sailor, Danny Roberson, 25, of Marrero, La., also was under investigation. Friday’s statement made no mention of his case.

In a statement earlier this month, the Navy said Shaheed and Moss were being investigated for conspiracy to commit sabotage and kidnaping as well as undermining order and discipline by interfering with the Ranger’s mission.

Navy officials said the offense took place while the carrier was in the “area of the Persian Gulf.” The Ranger passed through Subic Bay in early January on its way to the gulf.

Shaheed, Moss and Roberson were flown back to Subic in February while an internal investigation under was under way.