Clinton Choice for Key Naval Post Withdraws

The Navy has withdrawn President Clinton’s choice for Pacific commander in the wake of criticism over the admiral’s handling of a sexual harassment case.

A statement issued Friday said Adm. Stanley R. Arthur “regrets that the anticipated delay in Senate confirmation of his nomination to be Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, has the potential to create a gap in that key billet.”

The assignment to the Pacific command would have given Arthur overall control of U.S. military operations in Korea. A Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Arthur was being forced to withdraw.

Arthur, 59, is now the vice chief of naval operations.

Sen. Dave Durenberger (R-Minn.) had threatened to place a hold on Arthur’s required Senate confirmation because of a sexual harassment case that involved a Navy officer from Minnesota.

Lt. Rebecca Hansen, 28, filed a sexual harassment complaint last year against her instructor during helicopter flight training in Corpus Christi, Tex. The officer was disciplined and later left the Navy. But in the meantime, Hansen was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. She later flunked at the Navy helicopter pilot school.

Arthur reviewed the failing grade and decided last April to confirm the decision.

Durenberger did not object to Arthur’s decision but was not satisfied with the Navy’s response to his questions about why Hansen had been put through psychiatric evaluation, an aide said. Durenberger also was concerned that the Navy had not adequately explored the possibility that Hansen’s failing grade was tied to her filing a sexual harassment complaint.