Navy Uses Radio to Argue for Bombing
The Navy went on the radio with the first in a series of shows aimed at persuading Puerto Ricans that it needs to resume training on the outlying island of Vieques.
Vieques residents are to vote Nov. 6 on whether they want to expel the Navy after a fatal bombing accident in April 1999 that touched off massive protests in the U.S. territory.
Four officers speaking in Spanish spent much of the paid hourlong show explaining why the training range is the “perfect location” for the Atlantic Fleet to safely practice its shelling, bombing and amphibious invasions.
The Navy said more shows are planned this week and next.
Under a deal worked out with former President Clinton, the Navy must leave the island in 2003 if it loses the November referendum.
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