Don’t Just Fly By This One : Off-base top gun deserves top-drawer Marine probe

Military officers tend to lead as much by example as by the authority vested in them. That’s why questions about the former commander of the Marine Corps’ western air bases are such a serious matter. The troops were learning of Brig. Gen. Wayne T. Adams’ abuses of flight privileges, a story first reported by The Times, even as they risked their lives in the Persian Gulf War.

The Marine Corps has handled this embarrassing tale, complete with such revelations as the use of a base plane for a trip with a fiancee, with some degree of success. After exploring allegations, the Marines effectively got Adams off line by reassigning him in May to unspecified duties in Quantico, Va.

This month, they took another affirmative step by installing a new western air commander, Brig. Gen. P. Drax Williams, to oversee bases at El Toro, Tustin, Camp Pendleton and Yuma, Ariz.

But after a solid early investigation by the Marine Corps inspector general, the actual disciplinary process for Adams has stumbled somewhat. The Quantico base commander was put in charge of the hearing, on the ground that Quantico is where Adams now is assigned. But a more senior officer would have added needed weight to the review.

As it was, the Quantico commander, Lt. Gen. Ernest T. Cook Jr., ruled that Adams will receive a simple reprimand--a serious roadblock to career advancement but not as potentially serious as fines, a court-martial or criminal prosecution.

It is now clear that Cook inexplicably disregarded some damaging information in the inspector general’s report covering other abuses of flight privileges, as well as evidence of a breakdown in leadership at the western bases under Adams’ command.

The Marine Corps has done part of the important job of reaffirming the faith of rank-and-file personnel in military justice. That is, it has sent a signal up and down the chain of command that rules apply to all, regardless of rank. To fully clear the air, however, this case now requires the hands-on attention of the Marine Corps commandant.