Navy Ends Exercises, Legal War Continues
The Navy wrapped up its latest round of military exercises while protesters and the Puerto Rican government focused on ousting the military from its Vieques island bombing range.
Delayed by bad weather, Navy destroyers and fighter jets blasted the range with inert ammunition for a fourth day, before they head for the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, said spokesman Lt. Jeff Gordon.
He wouldn’t say whether the Navy plans another round of maneuvers on the disputed island.
The Puerto Rican government has tried to block the Navy exercises by filing a lawsuit in federal court, saying the military maneuvers violate new noise ordinances. The government, which is awaiting a decision on the lawsuit, says it will continue to look at its legal options.
“The end of this week’s bombing by no means ends the situation,” Gov. Sila Calderon said.
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