Blue Angels

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
COMMANDER
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
250 MAKALAPA DRIVE
PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII 96860-3131

IN REPLY REFER TO:
50

5830
Ser N00/ 128
16 May 14

FI NAL ENDORSEMENT on RDML Randy Cr i t es, USN, l t r of 6 May 14

Fr om: Commander , U. S. Paci f i c Fl eet
To: Fi l e

Subj : COMMAND I NVESTI GATI ON I NTO THE FACTS AND CI RCUMSTANCES
SURROUNDI NG POSSI BLE VI OLATI ONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
POLI CI ES ON EQUAL OPPORTUNI TY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY THE
FORMER COMMANDI NG OFFI CER OF THE U. S. NAVY FLI GHT DEMONSTRATI ON
SQUADRON BETWEEN J ULY 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2012

Encl : ( 73) Under Secr et ar y of Def ense Memor andumof 25 J ul 13

1. I have r evi ewed t he subj ect i nvest i gat i on and, except as modi f i ed
bel ow, I appr ove t he i nvest i gat i ng of f i cer s f i ndi ngs of f act ,
opi ni ons, and r ecommendat i ons.

a. The U. S. Navy Fl i ght Demonst r at i on Squadr on ( Bl ue Angel s) pl ays
an i mpor t ant and i nt egr al r ol e i n t he Navy s r ecr ui t i ng and publ i c
out r each ef f or t s. However , t he i nappr opr i at e behavi or s and cr i mi nal
conduct document ed i n t hi s r epor t r ef l ect poor l y on t he Navy i n
gener al and Naval Avi at i on i n par t i cul ar . Thi s r epor t i s not an
i ndi ct ment of t he cur r ent Bl ue Angel s or of t he Bl ue Angel s as a
whol e. I n f act , i mmedi at el y upon assumi ng command i n November of
2012, t he pr esent Bl ue Angel s Commandi ng Of f i cer , Commander Thomas
Fr osch, began i mpl ement i ng measur es t o r eest abl i sh good or der and
di sci pl i ne i n t he squadr on and t he r ol e t he Navy expect s of al l our
Commandi ng Of f i cer s. Hi s pr ompt and deci si ve ef f or t s i n t hi s r egar d
ar e a si gni f i cant st ep i n t he r i ght di r ect i on. I commend hi mf or
exer ci si ng st r ong and posi t i ve l eader shi p. I amconf i dent t he Bl ue
Angel s have cor r ect ed t hei r def i ci enci es and wi l l ser ve our Nat i on i n
a manner consi st ent wi t h t he hi ghest st andar ds of t he Naval ser vi ce.

b. Leader shi p mat t er s. We st r i ve t o i ncul cat e i n our Commandi ng
Of f i cer s - - whet her i n squadr ons, shi ps, submar i nes or any ot her
pl at f or m- - t he concept t hat " t he Commandi ng Of f i cer i s t he shi p and
Subj : COMMAND I NVESTIGATI ON I NTO THE FACTS AND CI RCUMSTANCES
POLI CIES ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY THE
FORMER COMMANDING OFFI CER OF THE U.S . NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATI ON
SQUADRON BETWEEN JULY 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2012
the ship i s the Commanding Offi cer . " I n this case, a ver y s trong,
even chari smat i c , Commandi ng Of ficer d i d lead; unf o rtunatel y, Captain
Gr egory McWhert e r led his Ready Room far astray o f acceptabl e norms o f
behavi or and conduct . The Bl ue Angels Ready Room did, in fact , f ol l ow
the Commanding Offi cer' s exampl e , and made the standard he
establ ished, their s . Thi s Commandi ng Of f icer witnessed, accepted, and
encouraged behavior that, whi l e j uveni l e and sophomoric in the
beginning, ult i matel y and in t he aggregate, became destruct i ve , t oxic,
and host i l e . The Bl ue Angels Ready Room envi r onment under his command
ran counter to establ ished Navy standards and the Unifo rm Code o f
Mil itary J ust i ce, and dramat i cally weakened good order and d i sci pl ine
i n the squadr on .
2 . Execut i ve Summary.
1 I nspector General that the former
Blue Angels' Commandi ng Of ficer , Captain Gregor y McWherter , and other
members o f the Blue Angel s created a host ile work e nv i ronment through
per vasive sexual harassment . Because the Bl ue Angels i s an Echel on 5
Command under Commander, U.S . Paci fi c Fl eet , I was asked to
i nvest igate her compl aint . I convened a command i nvestigat i on into
this matter , appoint i ng Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Randy Crites as the
I nvest igati ng Of ficer .
s ubstantiates
already begun,
Rear Admiral Crites ' i nvest igat i on c l earl y
a llegat ions . Corr ecti ve actions have
Captain McWherter o f his d uties as
Execut ive Offi cer, Naval Stati o n Coronado for loss of conf i dence .
This Executive Offi cer position i s a "fleet-up" position, whi c h means
that Captai n McWhert e r would have become the Naval Stat ion Commanding
Offi cer i n April 2015.
b . Captain McWherter had a success f ul and unmar red tour as the
Commanding Of f i cer o f the Blue Angel s f rom 2008 to 2010 . He was
popular and well - l i ked by his Ready Room. In November 2010, at the
scheduled concl usion of t his two- year tour, Commander David Koss
became the next Command ing Of fi cer of the Bl ue Angels . On 21 May
2011, Commander Koss commi tted a saf ety of f l ight violation du r i ng an
airshow in Lynchbu rg, Vi rginia . Subsequent l y , an airshow was
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52

cancel l ed and t he t eamconduct ed a saf et y st and down. Thr ough
del i ber at i on and consul t at i on wi t h t he Chi ef of Naval Ai r Tr ai ni ng,
Commander Koss asked t o be r el i eved of command of t he Bl ue Angel s.
Capt ai n McWher t er r et ur ned t o t he Bl ue Angel s and r e- assumed command
i n May 2011, and r emai ned i n command unt i l November 2012. Upon hi s
r et ur n, Capt ai n McWher t er r ecei ved a "her o s wel come" f r omhi s Ready
Room. I bel i eve he subsequent l y became suscept i bl e t o hubr i s and
ar r ogance, bl i ndi ng hi mt o t he common sense j udgment s expect ed of al l
ser vi ce member s, but especi al l y t hose ent r ust ed wi t h command.

c. I n shar p cont r ast t o hi s f i r st t our , t hr oughout hi s second
t our as t he Bl ue Angel s Commandi ng Of f i cer , Capt ai n McWher t er and
many i n hi s command openl y engaged i n sexual har assment and ot her
i nappr opr i at e behavi or s, whi ch he f ai l ed t o cor r ect . Exampl es i ncl ude
pr ol i f er at i on of expl i ci t por nogr aphy and sexual l y suggest i ve i mages
i n t he cockpi t s and i n t he " Gr oupMe" i nt r a- squadr on el ect r oni c
communi cat i ons t ool , t he pai nt i ng of mal e geni t al i a on t he r oof of t he
cent er poi nt t r ai l er at t he Bl ue Angel s wi nt er t r ai ni ng f aci l i t i es i n
El Cent r o, Cal i f or ni a, and hazi ng dur i ng t he enl i st ed " Cr est i ng
Pr ocess. " Not onl y does Rear Admi r al Cr i t es' i nvest i gat i on
demonst r at e t hat Capt ai n McWher t er f ai l ed t o t ake i mmedi at e and
deci si ve act i on t o guar d agai nst and suppr ess vi ol at i ons of Navy
pol i cy, i t est abl i shed t hat by condoni ng and encour agi ng unl awf ul
behavi or s over a sust ai ned per i od, he cr eat ed a host i l e wor k
envi r onment .

3. Admi ni st r at i ve Changes. I not e t he f ol l owi ng admi ni st r at i ve
er r or s.

a. FoF 63: FoF 63 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur e ( 37) t o t he command
i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur e ( 31) .

b. FoF 91: FoF 91 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur e ( 39) t o t he command
i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur e ( 34) .

c. FoF 113: FoF 113 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur e ( 35) t o t he
command i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur e ( 45) .

d. FoF 126: FoF 126 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur e ( 27) t o t he
command i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur e ( 37) .

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e. FoF 130: FoF 130 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur es ( 6) , ( 11) , and
( 54) t o t he command i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur es ( 4) , ( 5) , and
( 41) .

f . FoF 131: FoF 131 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur es ( 28) and ( 37) t o
t he command i nvest i gat i on r at her t han encl osur es ( 6) and ( 54) .

g. FoF 134: FoF 134 shoul d r ef er ence encl osur e ( 50) t o t he
command i nvest i gat i on i n addi t i on t o encl osur e ( 37) .

h. FoF 173: FoF 173 uses t he wor d r est i n t he l ast sent ence; I
r epl aced t he wor d r est wi t h t he wor d cr est .

i . FoFs 189 and 191: FoFs 189 and 191 use t he acr onymCMC t o
r ef er t o Command Mast er Chi ef . I r epl aced t he acr onymCMC wi t h
t he acr onymCMDCM.

j . Recommendat i on 4( a) : Recommendat i on 4( a) r ef er ences t he
Command Leader shi p School i n Newpor t , Rhode I sl and. I not e t hat t he
name of t hi s school has been changed t o Naval Leader shi p and Et hi cs
Cent er .

k. I not e t hat t he cor r ect spel l i ng of Li eut enant Commander
name i s

4. Fi ndi ngs of Fact . I concur wi t h al l f i ndi ngs of f act ( FoF) ,
except as modi f i ed bel ow.

a. FoF 36: Modi f y FoF 36 t o r ead: Some Bl ue Angel s t eammember s
opi ned t hat i t was mor e t han j ust unsat i sf act or y f l yi ng t hat l ed t o
t he pi l ot s posi t i on on whet her Commander Koss shoul d l eave. They
al so poi nt ed t o t he pi l ot s di sf avor of t he way Commander Koss r an t he
Ready Room. [ Encl osur es ( 11) , ( 14) , ( 34) , and ( 35) ]

b. FoF 211: Modi f y FoF 211 t o r ead: The Bl ue Angel s does not
have a t r adi t i onal Execut i ve Of f i cer ( XO) or Depar t ment Heads as i s
st andar d i n al l ot her Naval Avi at i on squadr ons, or any ot her seni or
day- t o- day manager of t he command ot her t han t he Commandi ng Of f i cer .
The #5 pi l ot , t ypi cal l y a j uni or Li eut enant Commander , ser ves as an
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)

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oper at i onal XO, but t he Admi ni st r at i ve Of f i cer , t ypi cal l y a Li mi t ed
Dut y Of f i cer or Chi ef War r ant Of f i cer , i s bi l l et ed as t he XO f or t he
Enl i st ed Sai l or s. Dur i ng t he 2011- 2012 season, t he #5 posi t i on was
hel d by ( November 2010November 2011) and
( November 2011December 2012) . [ Encl osur es ( 3) , ( 8) , ( 10) ,
( 15) , ( 38) , ( 50) , and ( 55) ]

5. Opi ni ons. I concur wi t h al l opi ni ons, except as modi f i ed bel ow.

a. Opi ni on 4: Modi f y Opi ni on 4 t o r ead: When Capt ai n McWher t er
was br ought back t o r el i eve Commander Koss i n May 2011, he at t empt ed
t o r eest abl i sh t he t r ust of t he pi l ot s t hr ough a si mi l ar appr oach as
i n 2008. Thi s was i n mar ked cont r ast t o how CDR Koss l ed t he t eam,
whi ch was a mor e t r adi t i onal " f l eet - st yl e" Ready Roomappr oach. Due
t o concer ns r el at ed pr i mar i l y t o f l i ght saf et y, t hi s t i me Capt ai n
McWher t er i nher i t ed a Ready Roomwi t h t r ust i ssues and a l ack of
cohesi veness. The poor demonst r at i on per f or mances r esul t ed i n
i ncr eased t ensi on, as wel l as a r i se i n per sonal i t y conf l i ct s wi t hi n
t he Ready Room. I n hi s ef f or t s t o r eest abl i sh t r ust amongst t he t eam,
Capt ai n McWher t er al l owed hi s Ready Roomt o f ol l ow t he wi l l of t he
maj or i t y - - of t en det er mi ned by Ready Roomvot i ng by t he 8 Bl ue Angel
pi l ot s ( i ncl udi ng t he #8 Event s Coor di nat or who was a Naval Fl i ght
Of f i cer ) - - even when t he pat h chosen was t he wr ong one. Mi nor i t y
vi ews wer e of t en i gnor ed or di sr egar ded - - even when t hese vi ews
compor t ed wi t h Navy st andar ds and pol i ci es. I n doi ng so, Capt ai n
McWher t er abdi cat ed t he scope of hi s dut i es and t he f ul l r ange of
r esponsi bi l i t i es i nher ent t o command. Capt ai n McWher t er s l eader shi p
st yl e l i mi t ed hi s abi l i t y t o ef f ect i vel y handl e al l i ssues t hat ar ose.
[ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 1, 4- 11, 27- 41, 153- 156]

b. Opi ni on 10: Modi f y Opi ni on 10 t o r ead: The i nappr opr i at e
behavi or t hat became so per vasi ve i n Capt ai n McWher t er ' s second t our
as Bl ue Angel s Commandi ng Of f i cer was not t ol er at ed dur i ng hi s f i r st .
Bot h suppor t of f i cer s and avi at or s f r omCapt ai n McWher t er s f i r st t our
as Commandi ng Of f i cer r ecount ed sever al i nst ances wher e he cor r ect ed
i nappr opr i at e behavi or and t oned down possi bl y of f ensi ve pi ct ur es and
j okes cont ai ned on t eammaps and i t i ner ar i es. Bot h set s of t hese
of f i cer s f el t comf or t abl e voi ci ng opi ni ons, concer ns, and obj ect i ons
i n t he Ready Room. These of f i cer s wer e genui nel y shocked when t he
i nvest i gat i on t eamshowed t hemexampl es of t he Gr oupMe por nogr aphy and
(b) (6) (b) (6)

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t he sexual l y char ged, r aunchy, and homophobi c humor on t he maps and
i t i ner ar i es of 2011- 2012. These of f i cer s unani mousl y i ndi cat ed t hat
such mat er i al woul d not have been t ol er at ed dur i ng t hei r t i me under
Capt ai n McWher t er at t he Bl ue Angel s. I n essence, Capt ai n McWher t er
l ost hi s sense of r ect i t ude and decent behavi or when he r e- assumed
command i n 2011. Unl i ke ot her and successf ul Bl ue Angel s Commandi ng
Of f i cer s who f ocused on bot h per f or mi ng t he demonst r at i on and ot her
nor mal chal l enges uni que t o command, Capt ai n McWher t er f ocused on
bui l di ng camar ader i e and f el t mor e comf or t abl e gi vi ng hi s j uni or
of f i cer s wi de l at i t ude i n behavi or , but he f ai l ed t o set l i mi t s. The
undul y f ami l i ar l eader shi p st yl e he devel oped wi t h hi s avi at or s
cat al yzed t he downwar d spi r al i n t he Bl ue Angel s command cl i mat e t hat
i s at t he hear t of t he compl ai nt . [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 7- 11, 18- 19]

c. Opi ni on 25: Modi f y Opi ni on 25 t o r ead: Al t hough t he Fl i ght
Sur geon f ound i t necessar y t o pr esent a br i ef t hat f emal es wer e
capabl e of f l yi ng t he Bl ue Angel s ai r cr af t , t he over whel mi ng maj or i t y
of wi t nesses r ef ut ed t he compl ai nant s al l egat i on t hat gender
di scr i mi nat i on exi st ed i n sel ect i on of Bl ue Angel s demonst r at i on
pi l ot s. Most wi t nesses demonst r at ed an i nf or med knowl edge of hi st or i c
quant i t at i ve pi l ot ski l l met r i cs and how t hey ar e used t o sel ect new
Bl ue Angel s pi l ot s. I n i nt er vi ews, pi l ot s ci t ed t hose met r i cs as t he
basi s f or pi l ot sel ect i on r at her t han gender di scr i mi nat i on, and
sever al went so f ar as t o publ i cl y hope t hey ar e on t he t eamwhen t he
f i r st f emal e i s sel ect ed. Yet , because quant i t at i ve pi l ot ski l l i s
not t he excl usi ve basi s f or sel ect i ng Bl ue Angel s pi l ot s ( di sposi t i on
and per sonal i t y f i t ar e al so consi der ed) , t he sel ect i on pr ocess i s
st i l l vul ner abl e t o gender di scr i mi nat i on. That sai d, t her e i s no
subst ant i al evi dence suppor t i ng t he compl ai nant s cl ai mt hat act ual
gender di scr i mi nat i on exi st ed i n sel ect i on of Bl ue Angel s
demonst r at i on pi l ot s. [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 42- 49]

d. Opi ni on 32: Modi f y Opi ni on 32 t o r ead: The Bl ue Angel s'
command st r uct ur e has a si gni f i cant gap i n seni or i t y and exper i ence
bet ween t he Commandi ng Of f i cer and hi s next seni or of f i cer . The
Commandi ng Of f i cer i s not onl y al one at t he t op, but he has no peer or
near - peer advi sor t o pr ovi de pr i vat e command l evel f eedback. I n t he
Fl eet , t hi s r ol e i s f i l l ed by t he Execut i ve Of f i cer , who may or may
not " f l eet up" t o Commandi ng Of f i cer , dependi ng on t he command. Ther e
i s no Execut i ve Of f i cer bi l l et assi gned t o t he Bl ue Angel s. I n t he

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Bl ue Angel s, t hi s r ol e i s t ypi cal l y f i l l ed by t he #5 pi l ot , who i s a
j uni or pr e- Depar t ment Head Li eut enant Commander . The Commandi ng
Of f i cer s i sol at i on at t he t op i s f ur t her exacer bat ed by t he t i me and
f ocus r equi r ed t o l ear n t he demonst r at i on ( even t hough, i n t hi s case
when Capt ai n McWher t er r et ur ned f or hi s second command t our wi t h t he
Bl ue Angel s, he knew how t o f l y t he demonst r at i on wel l ) . The OPTEMPO
and nat ur e of t he command s det achment modus operandi make t hi s
l eader shi p st r uct ur e al l t he mor e pr obl emat i c. I t cr eat es an
envi r onment wi t h l i mi t ed pr ogr ammat i c, admi ni st r at i ve, and per sonnel
over si ght . The Commandi ng Of f i cer must del egat e a gr eat deal of hi s
aut hor i t y t o i nexper i enced subor di nat es i n or der t o ensur e t hat t he
busi ness of t he squadr on i s conduct ed. Thi s can easi l y l ead t o si ngl e
poi nt f ai l ur es and excur si ons f r ompol i cy. I n my opi ni on, cr eat i ng a
t r ue Execut i ve Of f i cer bi l l et wi l l f i l l t hi s voi d and al i gn t he Bl ue
Angel s l eader shi p ( Commandi ng Of f i cer , Execut i ve Of f i cer , and Command
Mast er Chi ef ) wi t h t he t r adi t i onal , hi ghl y ef f ect i ve, and pr oven Fl eet
" Command Tr i ad" st r uct ur e. [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 27, 36- 39, 211, 216]

e. Opi ni on 36: Modi f y Opi ni on 36 t o r ead: Capt ai n McWher t er
was advi sed of hi s Uni f or mCode of Mi l i t ar y J ust i ce Ar t i cl e 31 r i ght s
r egar di ng pr ohi bi t i on of compul sor y sel f - i ncr i mi nat i on and si gned a
Mi l i t ar y Suspect s Acknowl edgement and Wai ver of Ri ght s f or mon
14 Apr i l 2014 bef or e consent i ng t o an i nt er vi ew by Rear Admi r al Cr i t es
and t he i nvest i gat i on t eam s l egal counsel . Capt ai n McWher t er
di scussed hi s act i ons as Commandi ng Of f i cer wi t h Rear Admi r al Cr i t es
and t he i nvest i gat i on t eam s l egal counsel and admi t t ed t o knowl edge
of naked phot os of women i n t he ai r cr af t cockpi t s, per si st ent
homophobi c humor , t ext s cont ai ni ng i nappr opr i at e l anguage and
por nogr aphi c i mages, and event schedul es cont ai ni ng i nappr opr i at e
l anguage and i mpr oper i mages. He al so admi t t ed bei ng det ached f r om
concer ns about t he command s gi f t accept ance pr ocess and t he enl i st ed
i ndoct r i nat i on pr ogr amand expr essed r egr et t hat he di d not act sooner
t o st op t he i nappr opr i at e Ready Roombehavi or . The I nvest i gat i ng
Of f i cer concl uded t hat Capt ai n McWher t er s act i ons vi ol at ed t he
Uni f or mCode of Mi l i t ar y J ust i ce ( UCMJ ) by f ost er i ng a host i l e command
cl i mat e, f ai l i ng t o st op obvi ous and r epeat ed i nst ances of sexual
har assment , and engagi ng i n i nappr opr i at e sexual l y- char ged di scussi ons
wi t h hi s j uni or of f i cer s. [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 50- 161]


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f . Opi ni on 39: Modi f y Opi ni on 39 t o r ead: Commander Fr osch
r ecogni zed t he unsat i sf act or y command cl i mat e upon ar r i val t o t he Bl ue
Angel s i n 2012. Upon assumi ng command, he l ever aged Navy i ni t i at i ves
t hat had been r ecent l y devel oped and pr omul gat ed t o al l commands,
i ncl udi ng t he 21
st
Cent ur y Sai l or Of f i ce, Fl eet - wi de Sexual Assaul t
Pr event i on and Response pr ogr ams, r evi sed Command Leader shi p
School / Seni or Enl i st ed Academy t r ai ni ng cur r i cul a, and t he r equi r ement
f or seni or r evi ew of Def ense Equal Oppor t uni t y Management I nst i t ut e
Or gani zat i onal sur veys ( see Opi ni on 40 bel ow) . Commander Fr osch t ook
i mmedi at e act i on, maki ng consi st ent and i ncr ement al ef f or t s t o i mpr ove
t he command cl i mat e and el i mi nat e t he sexual and homophobi c under t ones
whi ch wer e pr esent under Capt ai n McWher t er . [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 91- 92,
104, 119, 128, 161, 168, 170- 171]

g. Add Opi ni on 40: Pur suant t o encl osur e ( 73) , af t er 24 August
2013, t he r esul t s and anal ysi s of annual cl i mat e sur veys ar e r equi r ed
t o be f or war ded t o bot h t he Commandi ng Of f i cer and t o hi s or her
i mmedi at e super i or i n t he chai n of command. Had t hat pol i cy been i n
pl ace i n 2011, t he r esul t s of t he Bl ue Angel s 2011 Def ense Equal
Oppor t uni t y Or gani zat i onal Cl i mat e Sur vey, whi ch cont ai ned myr i ad
i ndi cat or s of a poor command cl i mat e wi t hi n t he squadr on, woul d have
i nf or med Chi ef of Naval Ai r Tr ai ni ng of t he need f or i mmedi at e
scr ut i ny i nt o t he Bl ue Angel s command cl i mat e.

h. Add Opi ni on 41: Thi s i nvest i gat i on hi ghl i ght s t he
chal l enges t hat geogr aphi c di st ance may pr esent t o Chi ef of Naval Ai r
Tr ai ni ng as t he Bl ue Angel s i mmedi at e super i or i n command. To
ef f ect i vel y manage t hi s i ssue, Chi ef of Naval Ai r Tr ai ni ng must
vi gi l ant l y execut e i t s over si ght and command and cont r ol
r esponsi bi l i t i es r egar di ng t he Bl ue Angel s. [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 35,
and 218]

i . Add Opi ni on 42: The 2003 et hi cs opi ni on st at i ng t hat t he
Bl ue Angel s t eammember s coul d pur chase cust omBr ei t l i ng wat ches at a
si gni f i cant di scount was dr af t ed over el even year s ago by a ver y
j uni or Et hi cs Counsel or at Chi ef of Naval Ai r Tr ai ni ng. The
i nf or mat i on upon whi ch t hat Et hi cs Counsel or der i ved hi s opi ni on i s no
l onger known. Thi s opi ni on i s out dat ed and I f i nd i t i mpr udent f or
Bl ue Angel s t eammember s, especi al l y t he Commandi ng Of f i cer , t o
conveni ent l y r el y on t hi s sol e opi ni on as enough aut hor i t y t o pur chase

58

t hese wat ches at di scount s of at l east $2, 000. Capt ai n McWher t er
shoul d have known bet t er , or at l east known enough t o have i nqui r ed i f
i t r emai ned val i d. [ Fi ndi ngs of Fact : 205, and 206]

6. Recommendat i ons. I have consi der ed t he I nvest i gat i ng Of f i cer s
r ecommendat i ons, and I wi l l t ake, di r ect , and/ or r equest act i on as
not ed i n par agr aph 7 bel ow.

7. Necessar y Act i on.

a. I wi l l f or war d t hi s i nvest i gat i on t o t he Naval Leader shi p and
Et hi cs Cent er wi t h a r ecommendat i on t o i ncl ude i t s l essons i n t he
l eader shi p cur r i cul um.

b. By copy of t hi s endor sement , I di r ect Commander , Naval Ai r
For ces Paci f i c t o conduct a f or mal r evi ew of t he Bl ue Angel s
" Cr est i ng Pr ocess" and pr ovi de me wi t h r ecommendat i ons r egar di ng i t s
ef f i cacy and what st eps wi l l be t aken t o guar d agai nst hazi ng wi t hi n
30 days of t he dat e of t hi s l et t er .

c. By copy of t hi s endor sement , I di r ect Commander , Naval Ai r
For ces Paci f i c t o conduct an assi st vi si t and r evi ew of t he Bl ue
Angel s next Cr est i ng Pr ocess f ol l owi ng t he 2014 ai r - show season i n
pr epar at i on f or t he 2015 ai r - show season.

d. By copy of t hi s endor sement , I di r ect Commander , Naval Ai r
For ces Paci f i c t o conduct a compr ehensi ve r evi ew of t he Bl ue Angel s
et hi cs and gi f t accept ance pr ogr ams, t o i ncl ude t he pur chase of cust om
Br ei t l i ng wat ches bear i ng t he Bl ue Angel s cr est and ot her hi gh- val ue
i t ems at si gni f i cant di scount , and pr ovi de me an anal ysi s of t hi s
r evi ew wi t hi n 60 days. Fur t her , I di r ect Commander , Naval Ai r For ces
Paci f i c t o assume gi f t r evi ew and appr oval r esponsi bi l i t i es f or t he
Bl ue Angel s f r omt hi s dat e f or war d.

e. By copy of t hi s endor sement , I di r ect Commander , Naval Ai r
For ces Paci f i c, t o exami ne t he ef f i cacy of cr eat i ng a f or mal Execut i ve
Of f i cer bi l l et f or t he Bl ue Angel s and pr ovi de me wi t h r ecommendat i ons
and modal i t i es wi t hi n 90 days of t he dat e of t hi s l et t er .

f . By copy o f this endorsement, I direct Commander, Naval Air
For ces Paci fic t o review the Bl ue Angels' o f fi cer appl i cati on and
select ion process to determi ne how t o imp r ove the p r ocess , and provide
me wi th f i ndings and recommendat i ons within 90 days o f the date o f
this l etter .
g . By copy o f this endorsement, I direct Commander, Naval Air
For ces Paci fic t o review the "Khaki Newbi e" process . Within 90 days
of the dat e o f this l etter, provide me with recommendat ions that
i nclude, at a mi nimum, s tandardizat i on of the turnover p r ocess and
i mplementation of a way to int egrate o f f - cycl e addi tions to the
squadron i n a reasonable t ime f rame, payi ng attent i on to posi tion and
special ski lls .
h . By copy o f this endorsement, I direct Commander, Naval Air
For ces Paci fic t o review the over s i g ht t hat t he Chi e f of Naval Ai r
Traini ng provides the Blue Angels, especi ally in t he areas of
admini strat ive p r ocesses and non-tactical trai ning, incl uding general-
mil i tar y t raini ng and required annual training. I further direc t
Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacifi c to ensure Chi e f o f Naval Air
Traini ng conduct s a standar d i zed inspect i on cycle f or t he Bl ue Angels,
i ncluding posi t i ve over s i g ht o f the team whi l e they are on t ravel to
El Centr o and dur ing the s how season . Report compl eti on wi thin 120
days o f the date o f this l etter .
i . By copy o f this endorsement, I direc t Commander, Naval Air
For ces Paci fic t o require Chief o f Naval Air Traini ng to impl ement an
a l cohol deglamorizat i on p l an f o r the Bl ue Angels . Report completion
o f the p lan wi thin 120 days o f the date of thi s l e tter .
59
8 . Accountabi lity.
a. Captain McWherter al l owed members o f the Ready Room and
seni or enlisted personnel to engage in, i nsti gate, and e ncourage
raunchy and sexual l y harassing behavior that signi ficantly contri b uted
t o the host ile command c l i mate that exi s t ed dur ing hi s second tour as
the Bl ue Angels Command ing Of fi cer . Coupled with his i mpl i c i t and
explicit approval o f this behavior, Captain McWher t e r set a moral
s tandar d far bel ow Navy expectations and i s therefo r e pri mari ly
responsibl e for what happe ned i n the Blue Angels f rom 2010- 2012 .
b . Paragraph 8 . a. above notwi thstandi ng, appropri ate f ocused
counsel ing s houl d be provi ded t o the fol l owi ng servicemembers who
contri b uted to the host i l e command cli mat e and sexual harassment
present at the Blue Angels from 201 1 to 2012 :
ed t o , i nstr uct ion
o n the fol l owing topi cs : Sexual Harassment, Navy Rights and
Responsibil iti es , Equal Opport u nity, Hazi ng , Fraterni zation, Ethi cs ,
and Navy policy r egarding respons ibl e a l cohol consumpt i on .
c . I wi l l take appropriate administrat i ve measures and/or
disci plinary action regarding Captai n Gregory McWher ter .
d . By copy o f this e ndorsement, I direct Commander, Naval Ai r
For ces Pac i fic t o provide focused f o rmal counsel ing (as noted in
paragraph 8 . b . ) to the f o l lowing servicemembers :
c
appropriate.
e . By copy o f this e ndorsement, I request Commander, U.S . Fleet
For ces Command counsel (as noted in paragraph 8 .b. )
60

61

f . By copy of t hi s endor sement , I r equest t hat Commander , U. S.
Mar i ne Cor ps For ces, Paci f i c counsel ( as not ed i n par agr aph 8. b. )
.

9. Concl usi on.

Di st i ngui shi ng f eat ur es of a Commandi ng Of f i cer - - i n cont r ast
wi t h ot her or gani zat i onal l eader s - - i ncl ude t he scope of dut i es
char ged t o t hose i n command, t he r ange of r esponsi bi l i t i es enumer at ed
vi a Navy Regul at i ons, t he uni que aut hor i t i es at t ached t o t he posi t i on
t o execut e t hose r esponsi bi l i t i es, and t he ensui ng account abi l i t y t o
di schar ge t hose dut i es f ai t hf ul l y. These f eat ur es, i n t ot al , def i ne
" command" - - t hey cannot be sever ed f r omt he posi t i on, i gnor ed, or
r el egat ed t o mi nor r ol es. They r emai n endur i ng. No uni t Commandi ng
Of f i cer , r egar dl ess of t he i nt ensi t y of hi s or her mi ssi on and pr emi um
on speci f i c i ndi vi dual ski l l s t o accompl i sh i t , can abr ogat e t he f ul l
r ange of r esponsi bi l i t i es associ at ed wi t h t he of f i ce. Uni t good or der
and di sci pl i ne ar e pr omi nent among t hese r esponsi bi l i t i es and
Commandi ng Of f i cer s ar e empower ed wi t h l aw, r egul at i on, and pol i cy t o
mai nt ai n t he same. Navy Regul at i ons ( Ar t i cl e 0802, par a 4)
speci f i cal l y st at es, " t he commandi ng of f i cer and hi s or her
subor di nat es shal l exer ci se l eader shi p t hr ough per sonal exampl e, mor al
r esponsi bi l i t y and j udi ci ous at t ent i on t o t he wel f ar e of per sons under
t hei r cont r ol or super vi si on. Such l eader shi p shal l be exer ci sed i n
or der t o achi eve a posi t i ve, domi nant i nf l uence on t he per f or mance of
per sons i n t he Depar t ment of t he Navy. "

Mor eover , Navy l eader s must t r eat al l per sonnel f ai r l y, wi t h
di gni t y, and wi t h r espect . Ever yone i s ent i t l ed t o wor k i n an
envi r onment f r ee of unl awf ul behavi or and of f ensi ve mat er i al .
Commandi ng Of f i cer s have an endur i ng obl i gat i on t o mai nt ai n a pr oper
wor k envi r onment at al l t i mes and i n al l pl aces and spaces; and t hey
wi l l be hel d account abl e as appr opr i at e when t hey f ai l . Sexual
har assment dest r oys t he chai n of command, i s ant i t het i cal t o Navy Cor e
Val ues, and r epr esent s an exi st ent i al t hr eat t o t he Navy s mi ssi on i n
def ense of our Nat i on.

Capt ai n McWher t er had t he absol ut e r esponsi bi l i t y t o exempl i f y
honor and vi r t ue; t o vi gi l ant l y i nspect t he conduct of al l per sons
pl aced under hi s command; t o guar d agai nst and suppr ess al l di ssol ut e
(b) (6)
Subj: COMMAND INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES
SURROUNDING POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
POLICIES ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY THE
FORMER COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE U.S. NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION
and immoral practices that contravene applicable law, Navy
Regulations, and Navy policy; and to lead his entire squadron with
honor, courage, and commitment. Instead, he lowered the bar for red-
line behaviors and weakened his ability to maintain a functional
command structure. He condoned sexual harassment, fraternization,
hazing, excessive use and glamorization of alcohol, proliferation of
pornography, and homophobic behavior. Importantly, he did not mentor,
instruct, and hold accountable those in his command who engaged in
this unlawful behavior. As a result, Captain McWherter created a
hostile work environment.
Captain McWherter failed to maintain appropriate good order and
discipline in his unit; it was grossly out of balance. The breadth
and scope of the inappropriate behavior in the Blue Angels from 2010
to 2012 sullied the reputations of the Blue Angels, Naval Aviation,
and the Navy itself, and tarnished more than two decades of
significant progress that the Navy has made toward Equal Opportunity
and inclusion.
It bears emphasizing that the Blue Angels' mission is to publicly
represent the best of Naval Aviation, to inspire the public, to foster
pride in the military institution, and to motivate young men and women
to join the Navy to serve our Nation. The actions of Captain
McWherter jeopardized that mission. those
that he led, failed the Blue Angels,
Copy to:
CNO (DNS, N1, N17)
VCNO
USFF (NOO)
BUMED (NOO)
MARFORPAC (GOO)
CNIC (NOO)
NAVIG (NOO)
OJAG (NOO)
COMNAVAIRPAC (NOO)
62

63

DONOGC
CHI NFO
CNATRA ( N00)
RDML Randy Cr i t es

1

06 May 14
From: RDML Randy Crites, USN
To: Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Subj: COMMAND INVESTIGATION INTO THE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES
SURROUNDING POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE
NAVY POLICIES ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
BY THE FORMER COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE U.S. NAVY FLIGHT
DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON BETWEEN JULY 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2012

Ref: (a) JAGINST 5800.7F
(b) SECNAVINST 5300.26D
(c) U.S. Navy Regulations
(d) OPNAVINST 3120.32D
(e) OPNAVINST 5354.1F
(f) SECNAVINST 1610.2

Encl: (1) Appointing order to RDML Randy B. Crites, USN ltr
5800 N01/048 of 8 Apr 14, modification ltr 5800 N01/055
of 11 Apr 14, and modification ltr 5800 N01/097 of 28 Apr
14.

(2) Table list of all enclosures (1-72).

Executive Summary

The Blue Angels are a key element of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
recruiting and public outreach efforts. While reading this
report, it is important to note that the inappropriate and
unacceptable behavior described below occurred prior to the
arrival of the current Commanding Officer.

CAPT Greg McWherter served as Commanding Officer of the U.S.
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (hereinafter known as the
Blue Angels) for two tours. His first tour, from fall 2008
until fall 2010, encompassed the 2009 and 2010 Blue Angels
airshow seasons. His second tour, from May 2011 until the fall
of 2012, encompassed approximately half of the 2011 airshow
season and all of the 2012 airshow season. His return in 2011
was a result of the existing Commanding Officer unexpectedly
stepping down.

While serving as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels
during the 2011 and 2012 airshow seasons, CAPT McWherter
fostered and condoned an environment within the Ready Room that
was rife with sexual harassment in the form of sexually explicit

2

and offensive jokes, pornographic pictures, comments, and other
behaviors, that in their aggregate created an intimidating,
hostile, and offensive workplace. The allegations at issue in
this investigation center on sexual harassment, not allegations
of sexual assault or sexual misconduct. No allegations of
sexual assault or sexual misconduct were uncovered in the course
of this investigation.

While many of the junior officers assigned may not have
perceived this environment as inappropriate at the time and may
still profess CAPT McWherter to be a sound leader, his behavior
fell far short of the standards of excellence required of our
Commanding Officers. Other officers within the Ready Room share
responsibility for the hostile environment; however, their
behavior would have never persisted had CAPT McWherter exercised
the judgment and responsibility required of his position.

The close-knit nature of the Blue Angels Ready Room and desire
to fit in led to blurred lines of acceptability because the
Commanding Officer endorsed negative behavior. Unfortunately,
the command and control structure and governance system of the
Blue Angels organization as a whole may have contributed to an
environment that was susceptible to sophomoric and sexually
harassing behavior. CAPT McWherters extended time in command
at the Blue Angels appears to have resulted in complacency
leading to a decline in the military discipline of his Ready
Room and the unprofessional relationships he had with his junior
officers. The fast-paced operations and total focus on flying
the demonstration made it more difficult for him to see the
bigger picture or make corrections when required. Additionally,
other misconduct, including some level of hazing within the
enlisted ranks that went unnoticed by the Commanding Officer, as
well as an overall lack of rigor in the Blue Angels gift
acceptance program were uncovered during the course of this
investigation. Elements of a standard Command Triad were
missing which, had one existed, may have served to prevent this
misbehavior.

Preliminary Statement

1. In accordance with reference (a), this reports the command
investigation convened pursuant to enclosure (1) to inquire into
the facts and circumstances concerning possible orders
violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as well as
Department of the Navy (DON) policies on equal opportunity and
sexual harassment by CAPT Greg McWherter, Commanding Officer of
the Blue Angels and/or others, between July 2010 and November

3

2012. Specifically, this report also notes whether CAPT Greg
McWherter and/or others condoned, ignored, or promoted a hostile
work environment while he was Commanding Officer.

2. Over the course of the investigation, several additional
allegations were uncovered that required further investigation.
This report includes discussion of those issues as well.
Specifically, in addition to the issues described in enclosure
(1), the investigation team addressed allegations of hazing,
improper gift receipt, and general command climate issues apart
from sexual harassment and Equal Opportunity. Additionally, the
temporal scope of the investigation was expanded to include
periods just before and immediately following the first and
second command tours of CAPT McWherter.

3. My investigation team included CDR , 1310, USN;
LCDR , 1320, USN; LCDR , JAGC, 2500,
USN; LT , JAGC, 2500, USN; CMDCM(AW/SW)
, USN; YN1(AW/SW) , USN; LN1 ,
USN; LN1(AW/SW) , USN; and LN2(SW) ,
USN.

4. In our effort to best capture the facts in this case, the
investigation team prioritized in-person interviews with all
officers who served under CAPT McWherter during, at a minimum,
his second tour as CO of the Blue Angels. My team traveled to
San Diego, CA; Pensacola, FL; and Norfolk, VA to conduct our
investigation. When necessary, telephone or VTC interviews
replaced in-person interviews due to logistical challenges.
Beyond the Blue Angels Ready Room during the 2011 and 2012
airshow seasons, the investigative teams focus expanded to
consider the perspective of officers who served under CAPT
McWherter during his first CO tour at the Blue Angels (the 2009
and 2010 airshow seasons). Finally, the investigation team
endeavored to capture a reasonable sampling of enlisted
perspectives during the entire timeframe of CAPT McWherters
tenure at the Blue Angels and beyond. Overall, 68 witnesses
were interviewed during the course of this investigation,
including 15 in a focus group setting. Except for CAPT
McWherter's statement and a select few interviews where my
investigation team sought additional clarification, all Results
of Interviews were compiled from the interviewers' notes and
were not submitted to the interviewees for review or signature.

5. When reviewing material or circumstances discovered in the
course of this investigation, the team considered offensive or
inappropriate any material that breached the standards
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)

4

provided in reference (b) discussed further below.
Specifically, any behavior that was sexual in nature, including
sexually explicit jokes, sexually suggestive pictures,
pornography including graphic depiction of genitalia and graphic
depiction of sexual acts, talk about sex, innuendo about sex,
sexually offensive language, anti-gay slurs, lewd or suggestive
comments, off color jokes, sexually suggestive gesturing, or
sexually-related foul language, met this standard and was
referred to as offensive or inappropriate. In some cases
particularly when weighing culpability this report makes
additional value judgments regarding the severity of certain
behavior; this gradation is offered in an effort to most
accurately depict the gravity of a particular incident and is
not offered as an attempt to justify any sexually-offensive
behavior in the workplace. As described in reference (b), no
type of sexual harassment is permissible in the workplace, no
matter how severe it may be construed.

6. In evaluating the witness statements and physical evidence
and in light of sometimes conflicting information, I made
certain value judgments to determine the quality and veracity of
that information when formulating findings of fact, opinions,
and recommendations. I considered the reliability and potential
biases of witnesses, whether a certain fact or facts had been
corroborated, the degree of the corroboration, and the amount of
time since the given event passed, among other factors. Where
sufficient indications of truthfulness were not present or
accuracy was in question but the matter was of sufficient import
to include in the report, I call attention to that matter in my
report.

7. CAPT Greg McWherter appeared before the interview team for a
live interview. He provided a signed statement detailing his
perspective on the matters alleged within the complaint. The
investigation team read Capt McWherter his Article 31(b) rights,
which he properly waived, prior to giving his statement. A copy
of that waiver is included in this report and maintained at the
U.S. Pacific Fleet legal office.

8. In addition to CAPT McWherter, five additional witnesses
were read their rights in accordance with Article 31(b), UCMJ.
Of those witnesses, two invoked their right to remain silent and
three waived their rights and agreed to provide statements. For
the witnesses who waived their rights and agreed to make a
statement, a copy of that waiver, if received, is included as an
attachment within the enclosed results of interview (ROI); when

5

a witness invoked those rights, that decision is reflected in
his ROI and nothing additional is provided.

9. During the course of this investigation, CAPT McWherter was
relieved of his duties as Executive Officer, Naval Base Coronado
by Commander, Naval Installations Command, due to loss of
confidence. The Executive Officer position is a fleet-up
position to Commanding Officer; CAPT McWherter was scheduled to
take command in June of 2015. He was temporarily assigned to
Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific.

10.

11. The complaint that gave rise to this investigation was
originally submitted to the Navy Inspector Generals office.
After the complainant waived confidentiality, the complaint was
turned over to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, who in turn
convened this investigation in accordance with reference (a).

12. All Navy and Marine Corps personnel referenced in this
reports findings of fact and opinions are identified by the
highest rank held during the 2010-2012 timeframe. This was done
to assist the reader with understanding the context of the
events as they occurred. The final section containing my
recommendations uses the current rank of the specified
individuals.

13. Enclosure (2) provides a table of all enclosures for ease
of reference. Enclosure (3) is a breakdown of the Blue Angels
officers jobs and responsibilities. Enclosure (4) is a visual
aid depicting team make-up and position.

Standards of Review

U.S. Navy Standards of Command and Conduct

1. Title 10 Section 5947 of the U.S. Code specifically charges
Commanding Officers with the requirement to be a good example
of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination; to be vigilant
in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under
their command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and
immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and
(b) (7)(A)

6

regulations of the Navy, all persons who are guilty of them; and
to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws,
regulations, and customs of the Naval service, to promote and
safeguard the morale, the physical well-being, and the general
welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command
or charge.

2. Article 0702 of reference (c) states that commanders shall
be responsible for the satisfactory accomplishment of mission
and duties assigned to their commands and shall exercise
positive leadership and actively develop the highest qualities
of leadership in persons with positions of authority and
responsibility throughout their commands.

3. Article 0802 of reference (c) states that the responsibility
of the Commanding Officer for his command is absolute, except
when, and to the extent to which, he has been relieved by
competent authority, or as provided otherwise in U.S. Navy
Regulations. Article 0802 further states that the Commanding
Officer and his subordinates shall exercise leadership through
personal example, moral responsibility and judicious attention
to the welfare of person under their control or supervisionin
order to achieve a positive, dominant influence on the
performance of persons in the Department of the Navy.

4. Article 1131 of reference (c) is entitled the Requirement
of Exemplary Conduct and states:

All Commanding Officers and others in authority in the naval
service are required to show in themselves a good example of
virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination; to be vigilant in
inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their
command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral
practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations
of the Navy, all persons who are guilty of them; and to take all
necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations, and
customs of the Naval service, to promote and safeguard the
morale, the physical well-being and the general welfare of the
officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge
(my emphasis).

5. Reference (d), Standard Organization and Regulations of the
U.S. Navy, dated 16 June 2012 (NAVY SORM), Chapter 3, paragraph
3.1.1, reiterates the absolute responsibility of the
Commanding Officer under Article 0802 of reference (c), and also
states that [t]he duties and responsibilities of the Commanding

7

Officer are established by U.S. Navy Regulations, general
orders, customs, and tradition.

6. Incorporating these concepts, The Charge of Command from the
Chief of Naval Operations dated 9 June 2011 sets forth the
responsibilities and governing principles of a Commanding
Officer. Commanding Officers will be held accountable to the
highest standards of personal and professional conduct.
Commanding Officers are expected to demonstrate the same level
of personal responsibility to which they hold their Sailors.
These standards are to be met at all times. The Charge of
Command also highlights the importance of inspiring the trust of
subordinates. It states, You build trust through your
character and in your actions which demonstrate professional
competence, judgment, good sense, and respect for those you
lead. The success of a command is dependent upon the
Commanding Officers ability to carry out these responsibilities
and uphold these principles.

7. Reference (d) Chapter 1, paragraph 141.6 states that the
principles of accountability include, in part, that each
individual, regardless of rank or position, is fully accountable
for his or her own actions, or failure to act when required.
Moreover, leaders have a duty to hold their subordinates
accountable, and to initiate appropriate corrective
administrative, disciplinary, or judicial action when
individuals fail to meet their responsibilities.

8. Failure to comply with references (c) or (d) may be punished
under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

9. Conduct unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman is punishable
under Article 133 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Equal Opportunity Standards

10. Reference (e) governs standards relating to Equal
Opportunity in the Navy and indicates the following:

a. All service members are entitled to an environment free
from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent
such service members from rising to the highest level of
responsibility possible. Unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

b. Commanding Officers have the responsibility to promote
positive command climate through personal example, provide equal

8

opportunity training and grievance procedure instruction and
assess command climate.

c. Individual service members must treat each other with
dignity and respect, promote positive command climate through
personal example, be responsible and accountable for reporting
acts of unlawful discrimination, and use Navy redress procedures
to resolve potential violations.

11. Pursuant to reference (e), the investigation team
considered the following factors when evaluating evidence and
statements received, and when formulating opinions and
recommendations:

a. Unlawful discrimination covers a wide range of behaviors
from verbal comments to physical acts;

b. Unlawful discrimination can be subtle or overt;

c. Command leaders must create, shape, and maintain a
positive EO environment through policy, communication, training,
education, enforcement, and assessment;

d. No leader shall condone or ignore unlawful
discrimination to which they have knowledge or should have
knowledge.

Sexual Harassment Standards

12. References (b) and (e) together govern sexual harassment
and the creation of a hostile working environment based on
sexual harassment and indicate the following:

a. Hostile working environment (as it pertains in this
investigation) is one that involves sexual discrimination
created by verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when
such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably
interfering with an individuals work performance or creates an
intimidating or hostile or offensive work environment.

b. Per reference (b), this type of harassment need only be
so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would perceive,
and the victim in fact does perceive, the work environment as
hostile or offensive.

9

c. Per reference (b), if a reasonable person, with the same
facts and circumstances, would find the behavior offensive, then
the behavior is offensive.

d. Per reference (b), the reasonable person standard
considers the complainants perspective and does not rely upon
stereotyped notions of acceptable behavior within that
particular work environment.

13. Pursuant to references (b) and (e), the investigation team
used the following factors when evaluating the evidence and
statements I received, and when formulating opinions and
recommendations:

a. Sexual harassment constitutes a wide range of behaviors
within someones work environment;

b. Workplace is an expansive term for military members,
includes the entire squadron environment in this case, and may
include conduct on or off duty, 24 hours a day;

c. The workplace is any place that is work-connected, as
well as the conditions or atmosphere under which people are
required to work;

d. Behavior which is sexual in nature includes, but is not
limited to, telling sexually explicit jokes, displaying
pornography or sexually suggestive pictures, or talking about
sex;

e. Examples of a hostile workplace environment include
routinely using sexually explicit or sexually offensive language
or displaying pornography or sexually oriented pictures in the
workplace.

Hazing Standards

14. Per reference (f), hazing is conduct exhibited by a
military member or members causing others to suffer or be
exposed to an activity which is cruel, abusive, humiliating,
oppressive, demeaning, or harmful. Soliciting or coercing
another to haze is also hazing. Hazing can be verbal or
psychological in nature. Consent, whether actual or implied,
does not remove culpability from the perpetrator.

15. Hazing includes, but is not limited to: abusive or
ridiculous tricks, threatening or offering violence or bodily

10

harm to another, striking, branding, taping, tattooing, shaving,
greasing, painting, requiring excessive physical exercise beyond
what is required to meet standards, pinning, tacking on, blood
wings, or requiring the consumption of food, alcohol, drugs, or
any other substance.

Findings of Fact

CAPT McWherters First Tour as Commanding Officer of the Blue
Angels

1. CAPT Greg McWherter reported aboard the Blue Angels in
September 2008, after a command tour with VFA-192, The Golden
Dragons. He took command two months later in November 2008,
after serving the customary period as a Khaki Newbie
(explained in Finding of Fact 3 below). He relieved CAPT Kevin
Mannix. [Encls: (5), (6), (7)]

2. Through a standardized process, Blue Angels officer
applicants submit a command-endorsed package with specific
requirements, including rank, flight hours, and tactical
qualifications. Applicants are highly encouraged to rush the
team, which usually entails attending at least two airshows
prior to 01 June and attending social events designed for them
to meet the current Blue Angels team members, and vice versa.
The pool of candidates is reduced through a democratic Ready
Room vote to a pool of finalists, who are brought to Pensacola
for a week with the current team. All finalists are considered
qualified to fill a Blue Angels position. Final selections are
made by vote of the Blue Angels Ready Room. The Blue Angels
notify the Naval Bureau of Personnel and Chief of Naval Air
Training to effect detailing. The Blue Angels do this for
officers except the Commanding Officer who is selected via a
panel of former senior Blue Angels (Flag and former COs).
[Encls: (8), (9), (10)]

3. Once selected, an officer serves approximately two months
(September November) as a Khaki Newbie. During this period,
newly reporting officers are expected to observe and learn.
Their involvement with Blue Angels affairs is limited in that
they are not considered to be an integrated part of the team
during this period. Once the previous airshow season ends
(early November), the new Blue Angels begin wearing the
traditional Blue Angels flight suit and are no longer
considered Khaki Newbies. [Encls: (5), (8), (11), (12), (13)]

11

4. CAPT McWherter inherited a fractured Blue Angels Ready Room
upon taking command for his first tour, after the Administrative
Officer and a Marine officer on the team had been relieved for
fraternization under CAPT Mannixs command. The command also
had a Class A MISHAP the previous year. [Encls. (5), (9), (14),
(15), (16), (17)]

5. CAPT McWherter noted the Ready Room was tense at the
beginning of his first tour and cited personality conflicts
between many of the officers, as well as his Maintenance Officer
and Command Master Chief (CMC). CAPT McWherter set out to
repair this situation. [Encl: (5)]

6. In particular, CAPT McWherter created a Newbie Manifesto
after going through the Khaki Newbie process in late 2008 that
sought to address some of the challenges and expectations of
becoming a new Blue Angel. The 2008 Newbie Manifesto is
included at Enclosure (18). The Newbie Manifesto was an
informal document meant to provide guidance to the team.
[Encls: (5), (12), (15), (18), (19)]

7. Upon assuming command in 2008, CAPT McWherter took a public
stance targeting the prohibition of adultery and established
other measures to rehabilitate the Ready Room. [Encls: (5),
(7), (15), (16)]

8. CAPT McWherter stated that he consciously returned the Ready
Room toward a more democratic style of leadership, intending to
foster familial relationships unlike that of a normal squadron.
Officers present in the Ready Room at the time confirmed that
the Ready Room indeed returned to a democratic and familial
setting. [Encls: (5), (16)]

9. As a result of these changes, CAPT McWherter stated that the
Ready Room was more cohesive and friendly. Other members of the
team during the 2009 and 2010 airshow seasons confirmed a
positive, motivating, and professional command climate. [Encls:
(5), (9), (16), (17)]

10. On at least one occasion, CAPT McWherter directed that the
#7 pilot correct a map containing an inappropriate joke. [Encl:
(19)]

11. In January 2010, CAPT McWherter signed NAVFLIGHTDEMRONINST
1610.1M, which included a statement that hazing, humiliation,

12

and personal verbal or physical abuse have no place in Newbie
training and are expressly prohibited [Encl: (20)]

12. Prior to YNCS arrival in November 2009, the
Blue Angels did not have a Command Managed Equal Opportunity
representative (hereinafter CMEO). [Encl: (14)]

13. At the time of her check-in, a Defense Equal Opportunity
Management Institute (DEOMI) Organizational Climate Survey
(DEOCS) had just been completed. A copy of this survey is
unavailable, as institutional records are only kept three years.
DEOCS surveys for 2011 and 2013 are available at Enclosures (21)
and (22). YNCS detached from the Blue Angels in October
2013. [Encls: (14), (21), (22)]

14. YNCS conducted female mentorship meetings with the
enlisted females on the team. [Encls: (14), (23), (24)]

15. As CMEO, YNCS briefed all incoming Blue Angels Sailors
individually and offered them respite from the Cresting Process
if needed. (The Cresting Process is described in Findings of
Fact 172 and 173 below.) [Encl: (14)]

16. As CMEO, YNCS did not believe she had a close
relationship with CAPT McWherter. [Encl: (14)]

17. Notwithstanding team cohesiveness, junior officers during
CAPT McWherters first tour were known to make off-color jokes.
Occasionally, CAPT McWherter would respond with his own off-
color jokes. Similar to the descriptions from officers who came
to work for CAPT McWherter later, officers present during CAPT
McWherters first tour maintain that command climate conditions
were no different than other Ready Rooms in the fleet. [Encls:
(15), (16), (17)]

18. The two female officers in the Blue Angels during CAPT
McWherters first tour as CO reported no sexual harassment.
They reported a positive command climate and likened the Ready
Room to a family. [Encls: (16), (17)]

19. In , CAPT McWherter relieved his
.
This incident is different than the one described in Finding of
Fact #4. [Encls: (5), (15)]

20. During the period where the position was gapped, CAPT
McWherter assigned duties to CWO4 (the
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

13

Administrative Officer) and the senior Marine team member at the
time.

[Encls: (11), (15)]

21.

. [Encls:
(11), (15)]

22. CWO4 approached CAPT McWherter and asked him to
remove the senior Marine and him from reporting
chain, but this request was denied. [Encl: (15)]

23. was not permitted to attend All Officer Meetings
from report date in , nor was permitted to
wear the blue flight suit until the Khaki Newbie process
concluded in . also had limited interaction
with the other officers. These factors caused to feel
excluded. [Encls: (11), (15)]

24. Despite the absence of a dedicated , CAPT McWherter
excluded from the Ready Room and prohibited from
serving as the Blue Angels for approximately 5 months after
reported aboard. [Encls: (11), (15)]

Blue Angels: November 2010 to May 2011

25. In November 2010, at the normal conclusion of his two year
tour, CAPT McWherter was normally relieved by CDR David Koss as
CO of the Blue Angels. [Encls: (5), (16), (25)]

26. On a personal level, most officers and enlisted reported
liking CDR Koss and enjoyed working for him. [Encls: (7), (8),
(11), (14), (19) (26), (27), (28), (29),]

27. CDR Koss struggled to learn to be a demonstration pilot.
Many of the pilots felt that he was unable to take criticism
about his flying, that he spent too much time tending to command
business, and that he was overly concerned with less important
items like scheduling. Overall, they appeared to believe that
he spent too little time focusing on the demonstration. [Encls:
(7), (8), (11), (12), (19)]

28. CDR Koss did not drink alcohol. [Encl: (14)]
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

14

29. CDR Koss directed the Ready Room to stop the use of
homophobic humor and often spot-corrected his officers. [Encls:
(11), (25)]

30. The Blue Angels operate on a system driven by numbered
pilots and officers that fill certain roles at the command and
in the demonstration. Detailed information on the roles and
functions of each position are contained in enclosure (3).
[Encls: (3), (8), (12), (16), (19)]

31. The Blue Angels training system requires that the #2 pilot
train the new Commanding Officer (the #1 pilot) on flight
demonstration flying. During the debrief, direct constructive
criticism during flight debriefs is given to the Commanding
Officer by the #2 pilot. [Encls: (8), (12), (19), (20), (28)]

32. It is common in Naval Aviation for junior aviators to give
constructive criticism to more senior officers in the course of
providing instruction. [Encls: (12), (19)]

33. Acceptance of criticism and accountability for ones
mistakes while flying are cited as the primary builders of trust
among the pilots. Many pilots noted that CDR Koss struggled
with the demonstration. This, coupled with his perceived
inability to take criticism, eroded the trust they had in him as
the #1 pilot. This erosion in trust also reduced the level of
camaraderie and cohesiveness in the Ready Room during CDR Koss
time as CO. [Encls: (7), (8), (13), (19), (26), (30), (31)]

34. On May 21, 2011, during an airshow in Lynchburg, VA, CDR
Koss committed a safety of flight violation. One airshow was
subsequently cancelled, and the team was concerned about the
future of the airshow season. [Encls: (7), (8), (19), (25),
(32)]

35. After the safety of flight incident, the team conducted a
safety standdown. Pilots #2-#6 had lost confidence in CDR Koss
ability to fly the demonstration safely and were not willing to
fly with him anymore. Through deliberation and consultation
with Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA), the existing pilots
had some level of influence in CDR Koss ability to stay with
the Blue Angels. CNATRA considered the pilots lack of
confidence in CDR Koss flying abilities. CDR Koss subsequently
voluntarily stepped down as CO of the Blue Angels. [Encls: (7),
(8), (13), (19), (25), (31), (33)]

15

36. Some Blue Angels team members opined that it was more than
just unsatisfactory flying that led to the pilots position on
whether CDR Koss should leave. [Encls: (11), (14), (34), (35)]

37. CAPT McWherter returned to the Blue Angels and re-assumed
command on May 26, 2011. He completed the rest of the 2011
airshow season with the team. [Encl: (5)]

38. CAPT McWherters return marked a moment of deep relief for
many pilots. They felt like they had cheated death many times
and now had a safety blanket. They noted that they had a
newfound confidence in the team. CAPT McWherter did not need to
be re-trained on the flight demonstration. He was able to focus
on other command business. [Encls: (7), (8), (13), (19), (26),
(29), (31), (32), (36)]

39. Unlike the Ready Room under CDR Koss, the environment once
CAPT McWherter returned was free of a constant and overwhelming
concern regarding the #1s flying skills. The pilots felt the
environment was more relaxed. [Encls: (7), (13), (19)]

40. CAPT McWherter again placed an emphasis on the Ready Rooms
cohesion after seeing the disunion that had existed upon
retaking command. [Encls: (5), (8), (36)]

41. The close-knit and familiar relationship between the pilots
in the Ready Room from 2011 reemerged upon CAPT McWherters
return. [Encls: (7), (8), (13), (19), (31)]

Gender Discrimination

42. The complainant alleged gender discrimination within the
Blue Angels. Specifically, the complainant alleged hearing
comments that there would never be a female Blue Angels pilot,
or that there are no female Blue Angels pilots because women
only want to have babies. complaint further alleged that
the officers would joke and laugh about not having a female Blue
Angels pilot. [Encls: (11), (37)]

43. According to the complaint, some of the comments in
question occurred prior to a segment on a local Pensacola
morning television program. While waiting for a segment, a
reporter asked LCDR why there were no female Blue
Angels pilots. LCDR allegedly responded that there
were no female pilots because women want to have babies and
that he and the other pilots later laughed about the response
back in the Ready Room. CAPT McWherter himself vaguely
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

16

remember[s] the conversation about there being no female pilots
due to them wanting to get pregnant. [Encl: (5), (37)]

44. LCDR denied the above allegation. In his
interview, LCDR cited statistics and percentages of
female F/A-18 pilots and explained the career progression of
F/A-18 pilots and where a Blue Angels tour falls into that
progression. He stated that there are so few female F/A-18
pilots and explained that many pilots may not want to spend
their shore tour travelling 300 days a year. He further stated
that family planning concerns may be a factor in that decision.
[Encls: (5), (7)]

45. Overall, the possibility of having a female pilot was
discussed and welcomed by the many of the Blue Angels pilots.
Many pilots stated that they wished they had a female pilot, and
some expressed opinions that they wished they would be on the
team when the first female pilot joined. Members of the Blue
Angels felt that the first female pilot had to be the right
one, because of the intense scrutiny she would receive from the
public. [Encls: (7), (28), (30), (38), (39)]

46. In the Spring of 2010, LCDR prepared a
PowerPoint brief to explain the physiology of the maneuvers and
stresses on the body caused by the demonstration and flying a
Blue Angels jet. His purpose for preparing this brief was to
respond to questions about whether women possessed the requisite
strength to fly the jet. [Encls: (11), (28), (34)]

47. A Blue Angels jet requires constant tension on a stick with
40 lbs of resistance. The tension must be held for
approximately 35-45 minutes at a time the duration of a Blue
Angels flight demonstration. [Encls: (8), (12), (28), (40)]

48. The PowerPoint brief demonstrated that women were
physiologically capable of handing the jet and performing the
maneuvers safely. [Encls: (34), (37)]

49. Consensus by the overwhelming majority of interviewed Blue
Angels is that pilot skill, disposition, and personality fit are
the key determining factors when selecting Blue Angels, and that
gender has no role. The key determining factor pilot skill
rests on empirical quantitative data regarding a pilots flying
skills. [Encls: (5), (7), (8), (12), (16), (26), (28), (31),
(40), (41)]

Pornography in the Cockpit
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

17

50. Pornography existed in the squadron spaces and cockpits of
the Blue Angels jets as recently as the 2010 airshow season.
[Encls: (5), (8), (9), (12), (24), (35), (42), (43), (44)]

51. Sexually suggestive images (Swimsuit or Maxim-type
photos) existed in Blue Angels cockpits as recently as November
2011. [Encls: (5), (25), (28)]

52. Early in CAPT McWherters first tour, pornographic pictures
were often placed in the cockpit of the Blue Angels jets by the
respective crew chiefs. Witnesses interviewed indicated a
belief that this practice predated CAPT McWherters arrival as
CO in 2008. [Encls: (5), (7), (11), (14), (24), (28), (31),
(35), (37), (45), (46), (47)]

53. The pornographic pictures were usually of nude women.
[Encls: (5), (7), (8), (11), (24)]

54. Pornography in the jets was cited as an example of the
trust and bond between pilot and crew chief and was
described as motivational. [Encls: (5), (15), (19), (24),
(35), (42), (46)]

55. Both male and female crew chiefs cut out and placed the
pornography in the cockpits. [Encls: (8), (9), (15), (24)]

56. The wishes of pilots who asked their crew chiefs to not put
pornographic pictures in the cockpit were respected. Among
pilots who reported seeing pornography, at least one requested
it no longer be placed in his cockpit. [Encls: (8), (24)]

57.
reported never seeing any pornography in the cockpit during
2009 and 2010 airshow seasons. [Encl: (16)]

58. CAPT McWherter reported that the issue of pornography in
the cockpit came up once in the Ready Room. CAPT McWherter
indicated that he discussed this complaint with the Ready Room,
and the pilots indicated they liked the pictures. Based on the
conversation, CAPT McWherter toned down the pictures, stating
they could not contain any nudity. Swimsuit or Maxim-type
photos were permitted. It is unclear how this policy change was
effectuated or with what level of success. [Encls: (5)]

59. When discussing this issue with , CAPT McWherter
explained that he thought the pornography was appropriate
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

18

because it reflected a special trust shared between the pilot
and crew chief. [Encl: (42)]

60. At some point, two female crew chiefs were approached by
enlisted leadership to determine whether they had any objection
to the pornography in the cockpit. They reportedly indicated
that they were okay with women in bikinis rather than nudity.
[Encls: (42), (35)]

61. In November of 2011, CAPT McWherter unilaterally stopped
the use of inappropriate pictures in the cockpit after receiving
an anonymous letter sent to the Commanding Officer of Naval Air
Station Pensacola complaining about pornography in the cockpits
and a sexually-charged atmosphere in general. [Encls: (5), (8),
(24), (28), (32), (40), (48), (49)]

62. When the policy change was instituted, CAPT McWherter
credited the anonymous letter as the reason for the change. In
addressing the Ready Room, the letter and his decision were
touted as examples of what happens when someone goes outside of
the chain of command. [Encls: (8), (37)]

63. At least two witnesses indicated that CAPT McWherter was
angry after receiving the anonymous letter. Other witnesses do
not recall any particular aggravated response by CAPT McWherter.
[Encls: (8), (31), (50)]

64. Because the Blue Angels were tenants on board Naval Air
Station Pensacola but were not in the installation Commanding
Officers chain of command, the Commanding Officer of Naval Air
Station Pensacola forwarded this letter to CAPT McWherter
without taking further action. [Encls: (5), (48)]

65. Inappropriate sexually-charged images no longer exist in
Blue Angels cockpits. No images of any kind are placed inside
the jets. [Encls: (41), (51)]

GroupMe Messages

66. On May 25, 2012, established a GroupMe
account for the Blue Angels Ready Room, labeled Blue Angels
Ready Room. The purpose of the GroupMe account was to allow the
officers to stay up-to-date on last minute schedule changes and
social engagements. The officers had various smart-phone
platforms, and GroupMe allowed each officer to participate in
one, singular conversation regardless of the type of smart-
phone. [Encls: (8), (12), (28), (34), (39), (52)]
(b) (6)

19

67. All 16 officers were members of the GroupMe conversation,
and all the officers at the time except CAPT McWherter reported
knowing it. [Encls: (6), (7), (11), (12), (13), (28), (30),
(32), (34), (40), (50), (52), (53), (54)

68. The only 2012 airshow season officer who claims he was not
fully aware of which personnel were receiving the GroupMe
messages is CAPT McWherter. [Encl: (5)]

69. However, CAPT McWherter saw and made posts within GroupMe.
His initial post after joining the forum was fuck you. [Encl.
(52)]

70. CAPT McWherter used GroupMe as a forum to pass information
relevant to Ready Room-related functions with the expectation
that all Ready Room members would receive it. [Encls: (5), (52)]

71. While participation in the GroupMe was never specifically
mandated by CAPT McWherter, members of the team felt that
joining the GroupMe conversation was required or that not being
a part of the conversation would result in being uninformed
regarding important information. [Encls: (8), (28), (30), (34),
(40)]

72. The GroupMe conversations contained pornographic pictures,
often of male genitalia. [Encls: (40), (52)]

73. Information on the frequency and details of GroupMe posts
is described in enclosure (52). [Encl: (52)]

74. The GroupMe conversations often contained vulgar,
homophobic, and sexually suggestive statements from members of
the Blue Angels, both associated with, and independent of, the
aforementioned pornographic pictures. [Encl: (52)]

75. During the 2012 airshow season, there were of a total of
761 postings made before objection to the content.
Of those 761, 38 were inappropriate or offensive (4.99%) as
determined by reference (b). [Encl: (52)]

76. CAPT McWherter did not post any pornographic or
inappropriate pictures to the GroupMe conversation, but
participated in a sexually-charged GroupMe conversation on one
occasion. [Encl: (52)]

(b) (6)

20

77. CAPT McWherter did not make any GroupMe posts that would
have served to stop pornographic pictures or sexually-charged
conversations from being posted on that venue, nor did he
mandate their termination at Ready Room meetings. [Encls: (6),
(30), (32), (52)]

78. CAPT McWherter acknowledges that inappropriate pictures
were exchanged on GroupMe. [Encl: (5)]

79. In interviews, most of the Khaki Newbie class for the
2013 airshow season (Sep Nov 2012) indicated seeing only one
pornographic picture in the GroupMe conversations. Those posts
came from persons other than the Newbies. [Encls: (26), (55),
(56)]

80. Actual review of the GroupMe history revealed two
pornographic pictures posted after the Khaki Newbies joined
the conversation. These pictures were posted in succession at
the end of the day on the anniversary of the repeal of Dont
Ask, Dont Tell. They were posted by pre-existing Blue Angels
team members, not Khaki Newbies. [Encl: (52)]

81. After these pictures were posted at the end of the day, the
next post came approximately five hours later at 5:31 am from
. posted a message stating, I am not comfortable
receiving these types of pictures on our work mass text group.
Please utilize a specialized GroupMe list that doesnt include
me or anyone else who doesnt want to see these types of
pictures. [Encl: (52)]

82. objection on GroupMe was the first time
alerted the Ready Room that had a problem with their
behavior. [Encls: (5), (6), (8), (11), (12), (28), (30), (32),
(37)]

83. objected to that GroupMe post at that point
because CDR Froschs arrival as prospective Commanding Officer
made feel safe enough to address the harassment. Having him
there gave the confidence to think a complaint might make a
difference. [Encls: (11), (34), (37), (55)]

84. While in the Ready Room, CAPT McWherter called to
the side to privately discuss post. CDR Frosch was not
present at the time, but other officers were. CAPT McWherter
told that she should have addressed objection with him
rather than making the post on GroupMe. He also indicated that
he would direct the persons who made the posts to apologize to
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)

21

. began to cry during this conversation. [Encls:
(5), (11), (37)]

85. After discussion with CAPT McWherter, CDR Frosch
saw crying. He pulled to the side and told not to
worry, this was not how he was going to do business, and for
to hang in there a couple of more weeks. [Encls: (34), (55)]

86. felt that CDR Frosch knew the pictures were wrong
but that he couldnt speak up because he was a Khaki Newbie.
[Encls: (11), (37),]

87. indicated that she never received any apologies.
e and indicated that they did apologize.
[Encls: (6), (8), (37)]

88. After post, some other GroupMe members posted
messages about censorship. would reply with nicht
nicht, German for no-no, on GroupMe when he thought the
conversation was approaching lines of impropriety. [Encls: (8),
(11), (28), (52)]

89. reported being made to feel wrong for having
spoken up. [Encls: (11), (50)]

90. At no time after objection to the material on
GroupMe did CAPT McWherter address the posts to the Ready Room.
The posts stopped, but not as a result of any specific direction
from CAPT McWherter. [Encls: (11), (37), (55)]

91. After he saw the inappropriate post, CDR Frosch, then a
Khaki Newbie, discussed the issue amongst some of his fellow
Khaki Newbies and they agreed that that type of behavior was
unacceptable. CDR Frosch made it clear that type of behavior
would not happen while he was in charge. [Encls: (34), (41),
(55), (56)]

92. GroupMe use continues to this day, with a different
conversation group started for each airshow season. The system
continues to be used to pass helpful show information and is
utilized by all officers. Inappropriate jokes and pictures
reportedly no longer exist. [Encls: (8), (28), (30), (41)]

Videography

93. Beginning in 2011, enlisted videographers filming airshows
for post-event analysis would frequently scan the crowd and
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)

22

allow the video to linger on beachgoers and other members of the
audience, often based on the attractiveness of the person. The
practice was not overtly required, but doing so was a passdown
item from videographer to videographer. [Encls: (6), (8), (15),
(34), (35), (41), (42), (57), (72)]

94. This practice did not occur between 2008 and 2010, during
CAPT McWherters first tour as Commanding Officer of the Blue
Angels. [Encls: (9), (16), (17), (47)]

95. The enlisted filming crew understood that the Ready Room
reviewed each tape, and their understanding was that members of
the Ready Room enjoyed the practice. [Encls: (34), (57)]

96. Commentary from members of the Ready Room on the
individuals shown in the videos ranged from laughter to praise.
Members of the Ready Room, to include CAPT McWherter, reacted to
the images of the individuals and would comment on their
physical attributes. [Encls: (8), (11), (37)]

97. Oversight for filming is the responsibility of the Flight
Surgeon. [Encls: (3), (34), (35), (56)]

98. Videographers that were interviewed for the investigation
have no recollection of CAPT McWherter saying anything specific
regarding the practice of filming audience members, although one
specifically remembers the Maintenance Officer and the Flight
Surgeon conveying that the Ready Room enjoyed the videos.
[Encls: (34), (57)]

99. A review of one video taken of the 2012 Jacksonville Beach
Airshow revealed frequent and unnecessary footage of female
beachgoers in bikinis. When the jets were out of sight, the
camera was pointed on the beach, and close-up footage was
consistently of female beachgoers. [Encl: (58)]

100. The Blue Angels do not generally save airshow videos and
do not have a standing library of previous airshow videos. The
Blue Angels airshow videos were taped over unless there was a
safety of flight incident at a specific airshow. Consequently,
there were not a large number of videos available to the
investigation team. [Encl: (28)]

101. The enlisted videographers understood the sensitivity of
filming people on the beach. They knew that the videos were to
stay within the Ready Room, and if outsiders or applicants
rushing the team were going to be a part of the audience, they

23

would be more careful with the things they filmed. [Encls: (34),
, (57)]

102. CDR Koss remembers an audience member being filmed on one
occasion during his tour. In that instance, a videographer
filmed the wife of a guest rider in the audience. This was
embarrassing to the Ready Room and recognized as unprofessional.
The filming in that case was addressed by CDR Koss. [Encls:
(19), (25)]

103. CAPT McWherter saw the videos that included these scenes
and never directed such filming to stop. [Encl: (5)]

104. Videographers do not currently film persons in the crowd.
[Encls: (28), (38), (41), (56)]

Maps and Itineraries

105. Prior to each airshow, maps and itineraries were
distributed to inform the team of the logistical requirements of
the upcoming airshow. The #7 pilot was responsible for drawing
a map of the airshow location. The Blue Angels Events
Coordinator, the #8 officer (who is typically a Naval Flight
Officer and not a pilot), was responsible for drafting the
itinerary associated with each airshow. [Encls: (3), (11), (16),
(37)]

106. On numerous occasions during the 2011 and 2012 airshow
seasons, these itineraries and maps contained inappropriate
jokes and cartoons that included sexual innuendo and homophobic
commentary. [Encls: (29), (32), (59)]

107. Prior to the 2011 airshow season, the jokes on the maps
and itineraries were described as not containing sexual innuendo
and homophobic commentary. When shown examples of jokes and
itineraries from the 2012 airshow season, witnesses indicated
that that type of inappropriate material would not have been
tolerated during their tenure at the Blue Angels. [Encls: (9),
(16), (17), (19), (43), (47), (60)]

108. Enclosure (59) to this investigation provides an analysis
of the inappropriate and offensive maps and itineraries obtained
by the investigation team that were created between September
2011 and October 2012. [Encl: (59)]

109. During the 2011 airshow season, was the
pilot and was responsible for creation of maps, including all
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

24

jokes and images on them. was the officer
during this time and was responsible for creation of itineraries
including all jokes and images on them. [Encls: (4), (8), (16),
(59)]

110. During the 2012 airshow season, was the
pilot and was responsible for creation of maps, including all
jokes and images on them. maintained his
position as the officer and was responsible for creation of
itineraries, including all jokes and images on them. [Encls:
(4), (16), (32), (59)]

111. Some witnesses indicated that sanitized versions of the
itineraries and maps were made for and distributed to enlisted
Blue Angels and civilian liaisons. The versions allegedly
omitted the jokes and images considered inappropriate. [Encls:
(8), (16)]

112. Air traffic controllers were seen with un-sanitized Blue
Angels itineraries and maps, albeit the particular documents
seen did not include inappropriate jokes or images. [Encl: (11)]

113. Enlisted team members reported seeing several
inappropriate maps and schedules, despite reports that
sanitized versions were created. [Encls: (45), (61)]

114. Itineraries and maps were susceptible to being left behind
in rental cars and hotel rooms. No member of the public is
known to have lodged a complaint about the nature of the jokes
or cartoons on the itineraries or maps, but it was a concern.
[Encls: (11), (15), (16), (35), (61)]

115. Maps and itineraries did not require approval from the
chain of command prior to publication. All members of the Blue
Angels, including CAPT McWherter, saw the maps and itineraries
in the course of preparing for an airshow. [Encls: (5), (32)]

116. During his second tour as CO, CAPT McWherter never
counseled the #7 and #8 officers for the inappropriate jokes or
attempted to stop them in any way. [Encls: (5), (32)]

117. The ,
specifically remembers advising the enlisted not to let the maps
and itineraries out of their pockets for fear of having the
offensive material being exposed to the public. [Encl: (15)]

(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

25

118. warned CAPT McWherter, the Operations
Officer (#5), and the itinerary creator (#8) that if the maps
and itineraries were to be seen by the public, someone would get
in trouble. [Encls: (4), (15)]

119. The sexually-charged and homophobic jokes and cartoons on
the itineraries and maps stopped before the beginning of the
2013 airshow season. They have not reoccurred. [Encls: (38),
(40), (51), (55), (56)]

Homophobic Humor

120. There were frequent jokes and banter between the diamond
pilots (#s 1 through 4) and the solo pilots (#s 5 and 6). The
banter included overt homophobic references and derogatory tones
toward homosexuals. [Encls: (5), (8), (11), (12), (15), (28),
(32), (37), (39), (59)]

121. The homophobic banter was motivated largely by competition
between the two groups (diamond pilots vs. solo pilots) and has
reportedly been a fixture in the diamond-solo relationship
dating back many years. [Encls: (5), (6), (9), (19), (41), (47)]

122. The diamond pilots, including CAPT McWherter, frequently
called the solo pilots gay and vice-versa. [Encls: (5), (28),
(39)]

123. The banter was not confined between the solo and diamond
pilots; other members in the Ready Room also participated. The
banter existed in person, in GroupMe texts, in homophobic
decorations and pictures on the walls, and in maps and
itineraries. [Encls: (8), (35), (47), (52), (59)]

124. CAPT McWherter acknowledges the prevalence of gay jokes in
the Ready Room. [Encl: (5)]

125. Training addressing homosexual discrimination and
harassment took place concurrent with the repeal of Dont Ask,
Dont Tell. [Encls: (8), (13), (28), (29), (53)]

126. A large blue and gold penis was painted on the roof of the
center point trailer at the Blue Angels winter training
facilities in El Centro. [Encls: (35), (37), (62), (63)]

127. The blue and gold penis was visible from satellite imagery
(e.g. Google Maps). bought paint with his own money
and painted over the penis. This blue and gold penis existed
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

26

through the end of the 2012 airshow season. The penis is no
longer visible on Google Maps. [Encls: (27), (35)]

128. Witnesses indicate that homosexual banter has greatly
diminished since CDR Froschs arrival. [Encls: (28), (39)]

Sexual Conversations in the Ready Room

129. would frequently use his phone to show pictures
of his girlfriends to other officers in the Ready Room. CAPT
McWherter would actively participate in these conversations,
would view the pictures, and when would go for a
period without offering up the pictures, CAPT McWherter would
request them out loud in front of everyone. [Encls: (5), (6),
(8), (11), (12), (28), (32), (37)]

130. Some witnesses indicated that the photos shown by
included nudity. [Encls: (4), (5), (41)]

131. Joking or banter about the women in the pictures would
occur after the photo was shown. [Encls: (6), (11), (54)]

132. A Facebook picture of a female enlisted member of the Blue
Angels, was shown within the Ready Room during the 2012 airshow
season. In the photograph, the Sailor was wearing a red, white,
and blue bikini. CAPT McWherter was present, saw this
photograph, and did not object. [Encls: (8), (11), (28), (32),
(34), (37), (50)]

133. The showing of the Sailors picture also included
inappropriate commentary from the Ready Room and CAPT McWherter.
[Encls: (8), (11), (28), (37), (50)]

134. The complaint alleges that ceremonially
fired it up for the red, white and blue, and this was in
reference to the enlisted Sailor in her patriotic bikini.
Although several witnesses state they believed the reference to
simply be one of a generic patriotic nature,
corroborates this allegation, stating it was done on the same
day, after the bikini was discussed. [Encl: (37)]

135. Other confirmed conversations either in the Ready Room or
at the flight line included comments on the attractiveness of
females, sometimes phrased in crass or offensive terms (e.g.,
she can sit on my face). CAPT McWherter was involved with or
witness to these discussions. [Encls: (6), (7), (8), (15), (31),
(50), (63)]
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

27

136. CAPT McWherter made sexist jokes about women. [Encls:
(11), (15), (37)]

137. The practicing of flicking the tie-down involves one
officer flicking the aircraft tie-down during the middle of
public 8-man greeting sessions when members of the public are
called up to take photographs with Blue Angels. The act makes a
noise that is recognized by the other Blue Angels, but the
public does not know what it means. [Encls: (8), (37), (41),
(50)]

138. Flicking the tie-down was a method to call attention to
the fact that the individual in the 8-man photograph was
attractive. Flicking the tie-down is a method also used to call
attention to relatives and other guests of the Blue Angels.
[Encls: (5), (8), (12), (34), (37), (41), (50)]

139. Although not readily apparent to those not in the vehicle,
binoculars were provided to pilots for the purpose of scanning
the crowd during their ride from the hangar to the jets during
shows; circumstantially and based on the comments heard, most of
the scanning involved the pilots searching for attractive women.
[Encls: (34), (63)]

140. Before Halloween of 2011, invited his
girlfriend, as well as and boyfriend
, to his house to carve pumpkins. [Encls: (11), (34)]

141. Prior to arrival of and her boyfriend,
downloaded pornographic pumpkin carving stencils, also known as
pornkins. The couples carved two pumpkins that night, each
containing a separate pornographic image. [Encls: (11), (34)]

142. On a subsequent workday, brought the pumpkins
into work and placed them in the Ready Room next to Blue Angels
memorabilia. [Encls: (11), (12), (15), (31), (34)]

143. did not know that decided or intended
to bring the pumpkins to work. [Encls: (11), (34)]

144. Witness interviews differed on the reactions the pumpkins
received from the Ready Room. Some witnesses indicated that
CAPT McWherter remarked on their placement in the Ready Room and
directed their removal. Others witnesses indicated that the
officers enjoyed the pumpkins and reacted positively, laughing
and taking pictures. The complainant indicates that CAPT
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)

28

McWherter laughed, took a picture of the pumpkins, and sent the
picture to his wife. [Encls: (11), (12), (15), (31), (34)]

145. first became aware that they were brought into
work sometime during that day. turned the
pumpkins around so the carved portion faced the wall. [Encls:
(11), (15)]

146. indicated that she removed the pumpkins the next
day or so without being asked to do so by CAPT McWherter or
anyone else. She did so because she was embarrassed. She
specifically remembers removing the pumpkins to the dumpster by
walking through the squadron spaces of an adjoining squadron
rather than that of the Blue Angels. said she smashed
the pumpkins before placing them in the dumpster so they
couldnt be visible. [Encl: (11)]

147. and took a fine for inappropriate
pumpkin carving at the next All Officer Meeting, creating an
impression of accountability before the Ready Room members.
[Encls: (11), (12), (15), (28), (34)]

148. During CAPT McWherters second tour as CO, there were
inappropriate, sexually-charged humor and conversations in the
Ready Room. [Encls: (11), (31), (32), (34), (37), (50), (53),
(54)]

Sexual Harassment Summary

149. Most of the Blue Angels Ready Room who served under CAPT
McWherter during the 2011 or 2012 airshow season felt that
sexual harassment did not exist because there were never any
objections to the ongoing behavior. [Encls: (7), (8), (13),
(15)]

150. As interviews progressed, some of the Blue Angels officers
who served under CAPT McWherter during the 2011 or 2012 airshow
season felt that inappropriate or red-line behavior occurred
within the Ready Room. [Encls: (8), (15), (26), (30)]

151. Some witnesses were surprised CAPT McWherter did not react
more strongly to the things that went on in the Ready Room and
attributed it in part to his desire to fit in with everyone.
[Encls: (28), (30), (34)]

(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)

29

152. CAPT McWherter acknowledged that the Ready Room got to be
so comfortable with each other that the threshold of propriety
was blurred. [Encl: (5)]

Command Climate 2011-2012

153. CAPT McWherter observed a Ready Room with many personality
conflicts during his second tour. He observed personality
traits that created tension in the Ready Room. [Encl: (5)]

154. A deep rift existed between the performers, officers #1-8,
and the eight other, non-numbered support officers in the Ready
Room during 2012. [Encls: (4), (5), (11), (14), (37), (41),
(54)]

155. Enclosure (64) depicts the seating arrangement within the
Ready Room during All Officer Meetings and flight debriefs.
[Encl: (64)]

156. CAPT McWherter observed that the Ready Room command
climate declined during the 2012 airshow season. [Encl: (5)]

157. During this time, some enlisted members felt comfortable
reporting issues to the chain of command without fear of
reprisal, but others did not. At least one canvassed female
enlisted Sailor reported a lack of trust with CAPT McWherter,
specifically that if she went to him with a confidential issue,
she would not trust him to keep it confidential. [Encls: (29),
(35), (61), (65)]

158. In the Ready Room, some officers felt comfortable bringing
up concerns to the group; others did not. [Encls: (6), (8),
(11), (12), (28), (30), (31), (37), (43), (53)]

159. A copy of the Defense Equal Opportunity Organizational
Climate Survey (DEOCS) conducted at the Blue Angels in 2011 is
attached at enclosure (21). A summary of the most glaring
comments in that survey are noted at the beginning of the
enclosure. Topics noted include: peer pressure regarding
alcohol consumption, gay jokes, officer entitlement, and an
inability to raise issues with the chain of command. [Encl:
(21)]

160. Due to the democratic manner of governance in the Ready
Room, officers felt the need to build alliances in order to be
taken seriously when addressing issues that needed resolving.
[Encls: (30), (53)]

30

161. CAPT McWherter was noted as being more difficult to
approach at the end of his second tour than CDR Frosch. [Encls:
(8), (11), (37), (39), (47)]

Command Climate 2013-Present

162. Sequestration resulted in the cancellation of most of the
Blue Angels 2013 airshow season. [Encls: (12), (55)]

163. Overall, the interviewed enlisted Sailors report improved
command climate under CDR Frosch and . Both were
described as approachable and involved. [Encls: (44), (61),
(62), (65)]

164. There continued to be a division between support officers
and the 8-man in the Ready Room during 2013. [Encls: (8),
(41), (50), (54), (66)]

165. During 2013 and before, several officers in the Ready Room
believed others had an axe to grind; witnesses commonly
identified , , and
, as those with such problems. These three individuals
were support officers and not part of the 8-man. These
persons were also cited as examples of persons who were
perceived to put their problems above loyalty to the team.
[Encls: (8), (12), (26), (28), (39), (41), (56), (62)]

166. In the ready room, there existed significant tension
between the support officers and the 8-man,. [Encls: (11),
(41), (50), (54), (55)]

167. A copy of the DEOCS survey conducted at the Blue Angels in
2013 is attached at enclosure (22). A summary of the most
glaring comments in that survey are noted at the beginning of
the enclosure. Topics noted include hazing and a hostile work
environment. [Encl: (22)]

168. CDR Frosch made efforts to address some of the problems
from the 2012 airshow season. He implemented effective programs
to improve communication and policed GroupMe. [Encls: (27),
(41), (55), (62), (65)]

169. In 2012, officers #1-8 sat at the table and support
officers sat around the wall at All Officer Meetings (AOMs). In
2013, everyone began sitting in a larger circle, with no more
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)

31

inner and outer circles. This practice remains in effect.
[Encl: (11), (40), (41)]

170. As the Operations Officer,
addressed communications issues and redeveloped the Blue Angels
mission and strategy. His efforts helped to unite the Ready
Room. [Encls: (41), (56)]

171. The current Blue Angels , reports a good
relationship with the current CO, CDR Frosch. [Encls: (27)]

Hazing

172. Cresting is the process of integration and
indoctrination into the Blue Angels and their unique mission.
New enlisted (E-6 and below) additions or Newbies arrive
mostly in the fall of any given year and have 90 days to earn
their crest. [Encls: (8), (57)]

173. The Cresting Process is run by the existing Blue Angels
enlisted team members who are referred to as Oldbies. The
process involves learning the traditions and customs of the Blue
Angels, operations in and around the aircraft, and other
mission-related requirements. It occurs mostly during winter
training in El Centro. The process culminates with the enlisted
team members being Crested, or being allowed to don the Blue
Angels rest on their uniform. [Encls: (8), (57)]

174. Officers are not involved and have no oversight of the
enlisted Cresting Process. [Encls: (8), (12), (14), (28), (38),
(39), (40), (55), (62)]

175. CAPT McWherter, during his first tour as CO, made it clear
that hazing would not be tolerated and attempted to revamp the
Cresting Processes. [Encls: (6), (9), (16), (47)]

176. , the lead for support officer training, is
currently making strides among the Ready Room to raise awareness
of DoD hazing standards. [Encls: (28), (30)]

177. The Nettie Brown is one of the culminating events in the
Cresting Process during which the Newbies are required to
recite a speech while Oldbies seek to distract them through
various means. [Encls: (8), (50), (57)]

178. The purpose of the Nettie Brown is to expose Newbies to
circumstances simulating conditions that might exist in some
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

32

Blue Angels public affairs commitments and to teach Newbies
the importance of maintaining discipline and propriety despite
external distraction. [Encls: (46), (50), (57)]

179. The Nettie Brown has in the past included some practices
that reach beyond what might be required to achieve legitimate
goals of the event. For example, prior to 2011, foam penis hats
and mechanical dog humping hats were used to create
distractions for the person reciting the speeches. Ice water
was also thrown on the speaker. [Encls: (44), (46), (50), (57),
(62), (65)]

180. Upon arrival in 2012, he removed props and ice
water during the Nettie Brown. [Encls: (42), (44), (51)]

181. Excessive running and long work hours were identified as
other possible requirements within the Cresting Process in
previous years. Newbies would be required to frequently run
unless they had tools in their hands or were sick. Evidence
suggests that these practices also no longer exist. [Encls.
(35), (62), (65)]

182. Newbies were previously required to perform other petty
tasks, including dancing in front of the camera of a shop door
prior to being granted admission into the shop. [Encl: (65)]

183. Instances where Newbies may have in the past been
required to shout the Blue Angels Creed have been replaced by
the requirement to only speak the creed at room tone. [Encl:
(65)]

184. The Cresting Process in 2013 is more closely policed and
contains less marginal-hazing behavior than it has in any
previous years. [Encls: (24), (27), (28), (55), (61), (62)]

185. Every Saturday night in El Centro, the enlisted hold
parties in their barracks. The Chiefs and officers were invited
to these parties. Large quantities of alcohol are served and
consumed at these parties. [Encls: (14), (23), (28), (35),
(44), (62)]

186. The Carne Asada party is the culminating command party
in El Centro at the end of winter training and cresting
crucible. This is the last party before the team returns to
Pensacola. Large quantities of alcohol are served and consumed
at the Carne Asada party. Officers and enlisted both attend
this party. [Encls: (23), (35), (44), (45)]
(b) (6)

33

187. During an El Centro Carne Asada party in early 2012,
some Newbies attempted to tape to a chair. She
objected and the behavior ended. In multiple interviews, this
was the only specific instance that taping was alleged to occur.
It is undetermined whether CAPT McWherter attended this party.
[Encls: (23), (45), (61)]

188. Alcohol is frequently served at command functions and
continues to be to this day. Several enlisted members expressed
concerns about the amount and frequency of alcohol use at the
Blue Angels. [Encls: (14), (23), (44), (62)]

189. is actively searching for options to limit or
control alcohol use for enlisted personnel at command functions.
Limited drink tickets and other methods are being considered.
[Encl: (27)]

190. Policing the Cresting Process has been a work in progress.
reported addressing the excessive use of alcohol,
working hours, and the Nettie Brown during the 2012 airshow
season. He reported receiving significant pushback regarding
changes. [Encl: (35)]

191. , who reported to the Blue Angels in October 2012,
requires a Chief to be present during all events during the
Newbie process. also performs random spot checks
during the Cresting Process to ensure behavior conforms to Navy
standards. [Encls: (27), (51), (55), (62)]

192. The Blue Angels Personal Qualification (Cresting)
Instruction, 1500.1K dated 25 Sep 13, (attached with an
executive summary at enclosure (67)), specifically prohibits
hazing or harassment, noting that if such conduct is seen, the
witness is required to report via the chain of command. [Encl:
(67)]

193. Current participants in the Nettie Brown Oldbies or
Newbies - are not allowed to have alcohol, cigarettes, cell
phones, or cameras during the speech. [Encl: (65)]

194. Newbies are now advised that if they want to opt-out of
the Nettie Brown, they may. While several members indicating
feeling comfortable objecting to and not participating in
activities during the Cresting Process, witnesses also indicated
that opting out would still be frowned upon and could cause such
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

34

persons to be viewed as outsiders. The Nettie Brown also
remains part of the PQS. [Encls: (44), (57), (65)]

195. Water traps traps that dump water on persons as they
open a door have existed in the past and may continue to exist
currently, but with less frequency. [Encl: (65)]

196. Outside the Cresting Process, pouring water on Sailors is
used as a method to congratulate colleagues on a job well done
it exists with some frequency in response to awards, re-
enlistments, and other events. It is likened to the traditional
process of hosing down members of the aviation community
following celebratory flights. [Encls: (12), (19), (28)]

197. At least one enlisted team member indicated that a
majority of enlisted Sailors are resistant to these positive
changes and would prefer a return to a more onerous Cresting
Process. [Encl: (57)]

198. Overall, enlisted members take pride in the Cresting
Process and many feel that it prepares them well for their Blue
Angels duties. [Encls: (29), (57)]

Gifts

199. Some witnesses indicated that officers within the Blue
Angels Ready Room received gifts such as expensive leather
boots and expensive watches in violation of current ethics
regulations or that individual perks may have fallen through the
cracks. [Encls: (15), (31), (50), (54)]

200. A gift log did not exist when CAPT McWherter took command
in late 2008. CAPT McWherter ordered the Administrative Officer
to work with the CNATRA General Counsel to ensure proper
processing and logging of gifts. [Encls: (5), (36)]

201. The current Supply Officer serves as Legal Officer and
maintains a gift log. He has been to legal school and actively
consults with CNATRA General Counsel to ensure gifts received
during airshows are ethically permissible. A process is now in
place to report and review gifts received. [Encls: (5), (12),
(16), (19), (28), (36), (39), (40), (41), (68)]

202. Logs detailing gifts received at the Blue Angels dating
back to 2011 were obtained by the investigation team. [Encl:
(68)]

35

203. From the time he took command in his first tour, CAPT
McWherter indicates that all gifts to the squadron were logged.
[Encls: (5), (15)]

204. CAPT McWherter put policies in place governing gift
acceptance, and team members gave examples of occasions where
CAPT McWherter directed the return of gifts. [Encls: (7), (10),
(15), (19), (31)]

205. At a significantly reduced price, custom Breitling watches
bearing the Blue Angels crest are available to purchase by Blue
Angels team members. The ethical acceptability of this discount
is premised on a legal opinion written in 2003 by a relatively
junior Ethics Counselor. [Encls: (5), (8), (11), (12), (16),
(37), (69)]

206. Blue Angels team members paid $500.00 for their Breitling
watches. A cursory scan of Breitling watches for sale on
Amazon.com indicates that the least expensive watch for sale is
approximately $2,700. [Encls: (5), (8), (12), (50), (70)]

207. Trainings and inspections were routinely held and included
instruction on how to politely decline a gift. That said, at
least one pilot found the training to be inadequate. [Encls:
(7), (12), (28), (36), (41)]

Command structure and control

208. The Blue Angels are directed to adhere to strong standards
of public behavior reflected in NFDSINST 1610.1. [Encls: (8),
(15), (20), (71)]

209. The Blue Angels traditionally conduct all their General
Military Training over the course of a one day safety standdown
at the beginning of November. [Encls: (12), (38), (39)]

210. , on at least one occasion, logged training that
had not been conducted. [Encl: (50)]

211. The Blue Angels do not have a traditional Executive
Officer (XO) or senior day-to-day manager of the command other
than the CO. The #5 pilot, typically a junior LCDR, serves as
an operational XO, but the Administrative Officer, LDO LT or
CWO3, is billeted as the XO for the enlisted Sailors. [Encls:
(3), (8), (10), (15), (38), (50), (55)]

(b) (6)

36

212. Blue Angels officers address enlisted team members by
their first names. [Encls: (8), (9), (15), (16), (28)]

213. Using first names instead of military titles is said to
highlight the unique nature of the Blue Angels as compared with
a regular Navy squadron. It is described as making it easier to
communicate with the public who are unfamiliar with the military
rank or rate structure and that it humanizes the team with the
audience. [Encls: (8), (9), (16)]

214. The team atmosphere in the Blue Angels Ready Room
carries over to command decisions. The Ready Room officers vote
on command decisions, and junior officer votes count just as
much as the COs. [Encls: (5), (19), (35), (53), (54), (55)]

215. The democratic nature of decision-making at the Blue
Angels has not always resulted in the dysfunction that existed
in the 2011, 2012, and 2013 airshow seasons. Team members from
previous years report an effective system of governance based on
positional (versus rank) authority. [Encls: (5), (19), (47)]

216. Experience on the Blue Angels supersedes rank in the
command and control structure. [Encls: (8), (12), (19), (47),
(50)]

217. Because of the democratic nature of the Blue Angels Ready
Room, issues are sometimes not raised unless the person raising
the issue feels he or she has enough support from other
officers to accomplish their proposed action. [Encls: (11),
(30), (50), (53)]

218. The Blue Angels have no immediate geographic oversight
from an immediate superior in command. Chief of Naval Air
Training (CNATRA), located in Corpus Christi, TX, is their
direct reporting senior. [Encls: (55)]

219. Since 2008, five officers have been fired from, or asked
to leave, the Blue Angels. [Encls: (5), (8), (15), (16), (19),
(25), (50), (54), (55), (60)]

Opinions

1. This report is not an indictment of the current Blue Angels
or of the Blue Angels as a whole. CDR Frosch has made strides
to correct the hostile command climate while leading the Blue
Angels through uncertainty during the sequestration in 2013 and
a new airshow season this year. The Blue Angels play an

37

integral role in the Navys recruiting and public outreach
efforts and are a model of the technical and professional
precision in Naval Aviation. The Blue Angels are an important
part of our Navy, but the behavior at issue in this report is
unacceptable. [Findings of Fact: 208-219]

Overall Command Climate of the Blue Angels and the Culpability
of CAPT Greg McWherter

2. Over the course of CAPT McWherters second tour as Blue
Angels Commanding Officer, the command climate degraded to the
point that it constituted a hostile work environment as defined
by, and contrary to, Navy policy. The command was rife with
inappropriate humor and sexual commentary, chauvinistic
behavior, homosexual slurs, and demonstrated a complete lack of
professionalism internal to the Ready Room. CAPT McWherter
bears complete responsibility for the state of his command
climate. Through an exclusive and elitist boys club
mentality, many of the demonstration pilots established,
fostered, and perpetuated this hostile climate, marginalizing
the support officers, the Chief Petty Officers, and the junior
enlisted. This behavior was condoned and encouraged by CAPT
McWherter. A variety of contributing factors, including the
lack of a Command Triad, enabled the poor command climate and
will be explained in the following opinions. [Findings of Fact:
61-63, 66-161]

3. When CAPT McWherter first assumed command of the Blue Angels
in November 2008, he inherited a Ready Room that was recovering
from a previous MISHAP and a very recent infidelity issue that
led to the removal of two officers by the previous Commanding
Officer. In his efforts to reestablish trust amongst the team,
he took on a more democratic style of leadership than the
outgoing Commanding Officer. By all accounts, this was
effective in bringing his team together and allowed the squadron
to improve in both climate and mission execution. [Findings of
Fact: 1, 4-11]

4. When CAPT McWherter was brought back to relieve CDR Koss in
May 2011, he attempted to reestablish the trust of the pilots
through a similar democratic leadership style. This stood in
contrast to how CDR Koss led the team, which was a more
traditional fleet-style Ready Room approach. Due to concerns
related primarily to flight safety, CAPT McWherter inherited a
Ready Room with trust issues and a lack of cohesiveness. The
poor demonstration performances resulted in increased tension as
well as a rise in personality conflicts within the Ready Room.

38

CAPT McWherters plan included returning to a more democratic
and familiar environment where his junior officers would help
solve the internal problems of the Ready Room. This approach
was inherently flawed and contrary to the foundations of
authority, responsibility, and accountability on which command
rests. A command and control structure premised upon an unduly
familiar democratic method of leadership erodes the
traditional oversight a Commanding Officer is required to
provide and sets up the environment for a loss of good order and
discipline. [Findings of Fact: 27-41, 153-160]

5. The support officers did not have the same objections to CDR
Koss that the pilots did; perhaps because their lives were not
put at risk during the flight demonstration. Several team
members believed the pilots disfavor for the way CDR Koss ran
the Ready Room influenced the pilots support of him in the
cockpit and put CDR Koss at a disadvantage early on. This
difference likely laid the groundwork for an initial division
between the pilots and support officers in the 2011 Ready Room.
[Findings of Fact: 26-41, 153-156]

6. Upon returning to command of the Blue Angels in 2011, CAPT
McWherter gradually abdicated his role as the Commanding Officer
and his rank as a Captain in the United States Navy. He
routinely failed to set the example. Not only did he fail to
guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices,
he quite often stooped to the level of his unbounded junior
officers. He engaged in sexually charged conversations;
instigated and encouraged sophomoric, juvenile and homophobic
humor; and condoned the propagation of graphic pornography in
his Ready Room. [Findings of Fact: 61-63, 66-161]

7. CAPT McWherter bears accountability and responsibility for
the command climate at the Blue Angels from 2011 to 2012. While
several of the junior officers in the Blue Angels Ready Room
significantly contributed to the sexually-charged and hostile
command climate, their behavior was always entirely apparent to
him, and the overall problems were never corrected. [Findings of
Fact: 61-63, 66-161]

8. The primary focus of the officers assigned to the Blue
Angels was safely flying the demonstration. Unfortunately, in
dedicating themselves wholly to this singular and important
concern, they lost sight of the core values that are crucial to
the health and well-being of any Navy unit. A lack of effective
leadership allowed the focus on flying to become myopic,
exacerbating divisions in the Ready Room and degrading the

39

ethical standards of conduct among the officers. The quest to
build the extreme level of trust and teamwork required for the
safe execution of the incredibly demanding demonstration
superseded the day-to-day requirements of the command. The
overly familiar environment resulted in a trust that granted
the ability to engage in inappropriate behavior in the Ready
Room without fear of reprisal or reprimand. Predictably, the
same witnesses who defend the command climate during the 2011
and 2012 airshow seasons also see the complaint as a betrayal of
the organization. These individuals view the complaint as a
deplorable decision to put the complainant's own selfish needs
above the "needs of the team." [Findings of Fact: 27, 31-35, 38-
41, 158]

9. The malignant command climate eroded the ability and
confidence of some of the support officers to optimally perform
their duties. They became marginalized and perceived that
voicing their concerns would only serve to further ostracize
them with little to no change in the squadron policy or
behavior. The Ready Room was viewed as hierarchical, with the
demonstration pilots taking precedence over all others, even
though everyone had a vote. CAPT McWherters lack of action on
things that appeared blatantly inappropriate as well as his
reliance on a majority vote for most issues further instilled
the mindset that voicing concerns was futile if you were not
part of the 8 man. Although not all aviators from the 2011-
2012 airshow seasons share culpability, there was a distinct
difference in the way the aviators perceived the Ready Room vice
the perception of the support officers. The demonstration
pilots largely felt comfortable addressing personal and command
concerns in the Ready Room and assumed that sense of comfort was
shared among the other officers. However, the support officers
did not feel comfortable addressing concerns without amassing a
certain number of allies to help them persuade the group. The
Ready Room seating arrangement widened this gap and contributed
to the marginalization of support officers. [Findings of Fact:
22-24, 149-161]

10. The inappropriate behavior that became so pervasive in CAPT
McWherters second tour as CO was not tolerated during his
first. Both support officers and aviators from CAPT McWherters
first tour as CO recounted several instances where he corrected
inappropriate behavior and toned down possibly offensive
pictures and jokes contained on team maps and itineraries. Both
sets of these officers felt comfortable voicing opinions,
concerns, and objections in the Ready Room. These officers were
genuinely shocked when my interview team showed them examples of

40

the GroupMe pornography and the sexually charged humor on the
maps and itineraries of 2011-2012. These officers unanimously
indicated that such material would not have been tolerated
during their time under CAPT McWherter at the Blue Angels. In
essence, CAPT McWherter became complacent when he reassumed
command in 2011. Unlike other Blue Angels Commanding Officers
who focused on performing the demonstration and other unique
challenges, CAPT McWherter focused on building camaraderie and
felt more comfortable giving his junior officers freedom, but he
failed to set limits. The democratic and unduly familiar
leadership style he developed with his aviators catalyzed the
downward spiral in the Blue Angels command climate that is at
the heart of this investigation. [Findings of Fact: 7-11, 18-19]

11. There was a distinct lack of understanding as to what
constituted a work environment and how that applies to the
standards of conduct. Similarly, there was a lack of
understanding of the role, responsibility, and appropriateness
of social media as it pertains to personal, private, public, and
work-related activities in the Navy. These misunderstandings
contributed to the hostile work environment at the Blue Angels
from 2011 to 2012. [Findings of Fact: 66-78, 81-84, 88-90, 132-
133]

Sexual Harassment

12. There is no doubt that the sexually-charged jokes,
inappropriate pictures, homosexual banter, and graphic
pornography present at the Blue Angels in 2011 and 2012
constitutes sexual harassment and fostered a hostile work
environment. Any reasonable person, being exposed to the same
facts and circumstances, would find an intimidating, hostile,
and offensive workplace. [Findings of Fact: 50-161]

13. Of great concern is the lax environment that permitted this
dehumanizing behavior to occur without even a second thought
from any of its participants. The breadth and scope of the
inappropriate material taken in aggregate undermines good order
and discipline and erodes the core values of the United States
Navy. This behavior unduly stereotypes the Navy and Naval
Aviation in the eyes of the public, tarnishing the significant
strides the Navy has made toward Equal Opportunity and inclusion
over the past two decades. The United States Navy cannot and
will not tolerate sexual harassment. Everyone in our Navy is
entitled to be treated fairly with dignity and respect and must
be allowed to work in an environment free of unlawful and
offensive behavior. It is the Commanders responsibility to

41

ensure this is the case. The Commander must not ignore or
condone sexual harassment in any form. [Findings of Fact: 50-
161]

14. CAPT McWherter allowed his junior officers to engage in,
instigate, and encourage sexually harassing behavior that
significantly contributed to the caustic command climate during
his second tour as the Blue Angels Commanding Officer. His
failure to take action against these blatant violations of Navy
policy coupled with his apparent approval and enjoyment of such
base behavior set the moral standard far below Navy
expectations. [Findings of Fact: 50-161]

15. The GroupMe forum used by the Blue Angels Ready Room in
2012 was an extension of the regular Blue Angels workplace.
Although participation was not mandatory, all 16 officers in the
Ready Room were members of the conversation and command business
was routinely passed utilizing this medium. The Ready Room
relied upon GroupMe to stay informed, so much so that many
officers remarked that they felt out of the loop if they missed
messages or turned their phone off. The material posted there
absolutely contributed to the hostile workplace environment at
the time, and any impression to the contrary is patently false.
[Findings of Fact: 66-90]

16. While CAPT McWherter did not post any pornographic pictures
in the GroupMe conversation, he made no effort to stop the
behavior. When finally objected to it on a GroupMe
post toward the end of the 2012 season, the behavior stopped,
but not as a direct result of affirmative prohibition by CAPT
McWherter. He saw the numerous comments and images and used
inappropriate language himself, abdicating his role as a CO by
allowing it to continue. [Findings of Fact: 66-90]

17. The vulgarities posted in this forum were of such an
extreme nature that CAPT McWherters failure to act lowered the
bar for future red-line behaviors. Moreover, his failure to act
increased barriers to communication, leading to the perception
that anything goes and concerns would not be addressed.

18. The objection posted to GroupMe asking the group
to stop sending pornographic pictures was attempt to resolve
a pervasive problem. It is entirely appropriate to object to
offensive behavior using the same medium by which you receive
it. [Findings of Fact: 74-77, 81-84]

(b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

42

19. CAPT McWherters reaction to GroupMe objection
further reinforced misaligned priorities by focusing on the
process by which voiced concern instead of the content
and validity of concern. He was either blind or indifferent
to the problem at hand, apparently more concerned with the
dynamic of trust inside the Ready Room than the inappropriate
and demeaning effect of the posts. Chastising someone who
objects to offensive behavior when that individual attempts to
address the problem can have a chilling effect on individuals
who wish to object to offensive behavior in the future. When
members of the Ready Room ventured close to the line on later
GroupMe posts, even their own policing efforts implied ridicule
in the eyes . CAPT McWherters reaction further
underscored the support officers discomfort with voicing their
opinions within the Blue Angels Ready Room. [Findings of Fact:
81-85]

20. Sex, or topics related to sex, were frequently the subject
of conversation at the performers table in the Ready Room
during the 2011 and particularly 2012 Blue Angels airshow
season. CAPT McWherter participated in these conversations
actively and inactively (listening, laughing, nodding, etc.) in
almost every case. Sharing pictures of various women, sexual
humor, and engaging in conversations about women and their
appearance served as a common ground between CAPT McWherter and
his performers at the table. Rather than focus on professional
matters or lead his team through productive, officer-worthy
conversation pieces, he elected to find common ground in
objectifying and demeaning behavior. [Findings of Fact: 120-124,
129-159]

21. The airshow videos that stopped and zoomed in on
attractive females in the crowd contributed to the hostile
work environment, fostering an atmosphere that permitted the
objectification of women and exposed the Blue Angels enlisted
ranks to the sexually-charged attitudes of the Ready Room. The
other airshow videos targeting overweight individuals do not
qualify as sexual harassment but highlight the overall
inappropriate tone that promoted and perpetuated juvenile and
sophomoric humor. [Findings of Fact: 93-103]

22. The maps and itineraries containing sexually charged humor
and homophobic references were especially disturbing. The
offensive nature of this material is compounded by the
likelihood that some of these documents were viewed and obtained
by members of the public. Public view of the insensitivity and
ignorance demonstrated by the offensive maps and itineraries
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6)

43

would have severely undermined the mission of the Blue Angels
and would have brought significant discredit to the U.S. Navy.
The #7 and #8 officers demonstrated poor judgment when drafting
these documents. CAPT McWherter demonstrated exceedingly poor
leadership by allowing these documents to be distributed to the
Ready Room and assumed an unacceptable level of risk that they
could be viewed by the public. [Findings of Fact: 105-118]

23. When CAPT McWherter finally directed the removal of
pornography from the cockpits in 2010 and all risqu photographs
in 2011, the conversations were at least in part centered upon
the result of someone complaining about it. Rather than
addressing the behavior as wrong, the conversations centered on
someone going outside the chain of command and a breach of
the trust between crew chief and pilot, implying that it was an
act of betrayal. This approach further implies that the removal
of pornography from the cockpit was a consequence of that
betrayal rather than a problem in and of itself. Efforts were
made to find the person or persons who issued the anonymous
complaint in 2011, which undoubtedly had the result of stifling
anyone else who may have wanted to come forward or complain
officer or enlisted. [Findings of Fact: 52, 58-59, 61-63]

24. Officers of the Blue Angels during the 2011 and 2012
airshow seasons who hold the opinion that "there was nothing
inappropriate or sexually offensive in the Ready Room" (or words
to that effect) were either blind to the standard of what
constitutes sexual harassment, oblivious to the things around
them at the time, or otherwise biased towards support of CAPT
McWherter at all costs. Their inability to understand and act
according to the appropriate standard does not diminish or
refute the reality that such conditions did in fact exist.

25. Although the flight surgeon found it necessary to present a
brief that females were capable of flying the Blue Angels
aircraft, the overwhelming majority of witnesses refuted the
complainants allegation that gender discrimination existed at
the Blue Angels. Most witnesses demonstrated an informed
knowledge of historic quantitative pilot skill metrics and how
they are used to select new Blue Angels pilots. At least in
interviews, pilots cited those metrics as the basis for pilot
selection rather than gender discrimination, and several went so
far as to publicly hope they are on the team when the first
female is selected. Yet, because quantitative pilot skill is
not the exclusive basis for selecting Blue Angels pilots
(disposition and personality fit are also considered), the

44

selection process is still vulnerable to creeping gender
discrimination, should it exist. At best, evidence supporting
the complainants claim that gender discrimination existed is
inconclusive. [Findings of Fact: 42-49]

Hazing

26. While hazing may not currently exist at the Blue Angels,
there are indications that it may have occurred in the recent
past, and without intervention and training, the possibility
exists that hazing could reemerge. The unique nature of the
Blue Angels mission and the heavy reliance on teamwork to
achieve success necessitates training requirements outside the
scope of a typical fleet squadron. In the past, many of the
practices associated with becoming a crest-wearing Blue Angel,
while value added, lacked supervision and transparency. These
shortcomings have undoubtedly allowed some deviations from the
Navys hazing policy. This issue is currently a focal point of
Blue Angels command leadership. No evidence of current
violations were discovered. [Findings of Fact: 172-198]

27. Ensuring that the enlisted personnel are able to properly
address the public in a variety of settings and that they are
familiar with the jets and pilots contributes to the success of
the Blue Angels. The cresting personnel qualification standard
(PQS) has a legitimate purpose that enhances the unique Blue
Angels mission. However, the process by which this is
accomplished is fertile ground for hazing. The risk for hazing
is great any time a person or a group must undertake challenges
or obstacles to gain or earn full standing with others within
the group. Close scrutiny by command leadership at all levels
is required to safeguard the process and prevent abuses.
[Findings of Fact: 172-184, 191-198]

28. Equally concerning is the fraternization and the excessive
use and glamorization of alcohol that accompanies the Cresting
Process in El Centro. The Saturday night parties that anchor
the El Centro pre-season social calendar include officer and
enlisted personnel. This type of behavior is entirely
unacceptable in any setting, regardless of how important the
Blue Angels believe it aids camaraderie and esprit de corps.
Such behavior blurs lines of authority and command. [Findings of
Fact: 185-190]

Gifts

45

29. The Blue Angels receive a wide variety of institutional and
individual gifts in a variety of contexts. Anecdotally, the
Blue Angels gift acceptance procedures comply with applicable
regulations. While the evidence does not support specific
findings of inappropriate gift receipt, the lack of general gift
oversight or effective training creates an environment where
gifts may be improperly received in the future. [Findings of
Fact: 199-207]

30. Although CAPT McWherter and many Blue Angels since 2003
have purchased expensive Breitling Watches at deep discounts,
they made these purchases relying upon a 2003 legal opinion that
determined such purchases did not violate applicable gift
regulations. I have concerns that the legal opinion on which
these purchases rest may be stale or not inclusive of all the
facts as they currently exist. [Findings of Fact: 195, 206-206]

31. CAPT McWherter endeavored to standardize the gifting
process and mandated the establishment of a gift log. On
occasion, he made Ready Room members return gifts and policed
the acceptance of individual benefits. CDR Frosch continues to
police gift acceptances. [Findings of Fact: 199-207]

Command and Control

32. The Blue Angels' command structure has a significant gap in
seniority and experience between the CO and his next senior
officer. The CO is not only alone at the top, but he has no
peer or near-peer advisor to provide private command level
feedback. This role is typically filled by the #5 pilot, who is
a very junior pre-Department Head Lieutenant Commander. The
COs isolation at the top is further exacerbated by the immense
time and focus required to learn the demonstration. The OPTEMPO
and disparate nature of the commands detachment employment
makes this leadership structure all the more difficult. It
creates an environment with limited programmatic,
administrative, and personnel oversight. The Commanding Officer
must relegate a great deal of his authority to subordinates in
order to conduct the business of the squadron. This can easily
lead to single point failures and excursions from policy.
Creating a true Executive Officer billet would go a long way
towards filling this void. A non-screened Commander Naval
Flight Officer placed in this role could provide the needed
leadership to strengthen the Command Triad. [Findings of Fact:
27, 36-39, 211, 216]

46

33. "Newbies" are discouraged from "rocking the boat" and
speaking their minds when arriving at the Blue Angels,
potentially chilling those Sailors who wish to voice concerns.
Rank structure and fleet experience are secondary to the amount
of time spent on the team. The opinions of entrenched and
established Blue Angels weigh more heavily than the opinions of
newly reported personnel. In reality, enlisted members do not
enjoy equal footing with their peers until after their first
airshow season. Officers do not enjoy equal footing until they
wear the blue flight suit, normally about two months after
reporting. This is contrary to the chain of command's belief
that the Blue Angels organization is so close and family-
oriented that any member would feel comfortable bringing up a
concern. The "Newbie" experience has induced the opposite
effect. [Findings of Fact: 2-3, 156-161, 172-184, 192-198, 209-
210]

34. The OPTEMPO and schedule of the Blue Angels are
contributing factors to the lack of oversight. Blue Angels
Sailors, officers and enlisted alike, are relied on for their
versatility and teamwork. Many individuals are dual-hatted and
one deep, limiting their ability to focus beyond their own
tasks at hand. The pace of the schedule and limited number of
personnel severely reduces training opportunities, internal
oversight, and bystander intervention. Additionally, they do
not fall under Type Wing cognizance and their Immediate Superior
In Command (ISIC) is not co-located, limiting external support
and oversight. [Findings of Fact: 21, 209-211, 218]

35. The Blue Angels officer application process lacks
transparency. Traditional Navy detailing has no resemblance to
this process, including the "rush" and finalist phases. Finding
the highly skilled and socially adept personnel the Blue Angels
require could be better accomplished by incorporating basic
detailing principles and increased oversight without eliminating
or devaluing the team's input. [Findings of Fact: 2-3, 213]

Accountability

36. CAPT Greg McWherter violated Articles 92 and 133 of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice by fostering a hostile command
climate, failing to stop obvious and repeated instances of
sexual harassment and engaging in inappropriate sexually-charged
discussions with his junior officers. [Findings of Fact: 50-161]

37. The following officers demonstrably contributed to the
hostile command climate based on sexual harassment at the Blue

47

Angels between 2011 and 2012 by posting and sharing pornographic
pictures, making overt sexual comments within the workplace, or
creating maps and itineraries containing sexually-charged and
homophobic humor: , ,
, and . [Findings of Fact: 50-161]

38. The following officers contributed, but less significantly,
to the hostile command climate based on sexual harassment at the
Blue Angels between 2011 and 2012 by posting and sharing
pornographic pictures, making overtly sexual comments within the
workplace, or creating maps and itineraries containing sexually-
charged and homophobic humor: , ,
and . [Findings of Fact: 50-161]

39. CDR Frosch recognized the unsatisfactory command climate
upon arrival to the Blue Angels in 2012. Upon assuming command,
he took immediate action, making consistent and incremental
efforts to improve the climate and eliminate the sexual and
homophobic undertones which were present under CAPT McWherter.
[Findings of Fact: 91-92, 104, 119, 128, 161, 168, 170-171]

Recommendations

1. I recommend that Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, take the
following actions in relation to the individuals most culpable
for contributing to the hostile command climate and sexual
harassment at the Blue Angels in 2011 and 2012.

a. Appropriate disciplinary and administrative action should
be taken in the case of CAPT McWherter.

b. Appropriate administrative action should be taken in the
case of the following officers who demonstrably
contributed to the hostile command climate and sexual
harassment present at the Blue Angels from 2011 to 2012
1
:
, , ,
and
*
.

c. Appropriate administrative action should be taken in the
case of the following officers who less significantly
contributed to the hostile command climate and sexual
harassment present at the Blue Angels from 2011 to 2012:
*
, , and
*
.

1
Officers denoted with an asterisk are currently assigned to the Blue
Angels.
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)
(b) (6)
(b) (6) (b) (6) (b) (6)

48

2. I recommend that the following actions be taken within 30
days of the first endorsement of this investigation:

a. The Commanding Officer, Blue Angels, suspend the
Cresting Process until Commander, Naval Air Forces
Pacific, conducts a full formal review of the Cresting
Process to include Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron
Instructions 1500.1K and 1610.1Q.

b. Chief of Naval Air Training direct and oversee an
alcohol deglamorization plan at the Blue Angels.

c. Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, conduct a
comprehensive review of the Blue Angels gift acceptance
program, including oversight and training provided by
Chief of Naval Air Training as part of the review. Due
to the high visibility of the Blue Angels, the frequency
and volume of expensive gifts they are offered, and the
predilection they have shown for relying on stale
guidance, I recommend more frequent and more senior
Ethics Counselor reviews of their gift acceptance
program.

3. I recommend that the following actions be executed within
three months of the first endorsement of this investigation:

a. Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, review the command
and control structure of the Blue Angels. Specifically,
examine the viability of creating a full Executive
Officer billet to be filled by a post-Department Head
Naval Flight Officer.

b. Chief of Naval Air Training review the Blue Angels
training program for effectiveness. Conducting all
General Military Training requirements in one safety
standdown day does not allow the recipients to absorb
the pertinent topics, such as CMEO, sexual harassment,
and hazing.

c. Chief of Naval Air Training review the officer
application and selection process. A more formalized
detailing process, coupled with input from the team,
will deepen the pool from which technically competent
and socially adept officers are drawn.

d. Chief of Naval Air Training review the "Khaki Newbie"
process and standardize turnover procedures. Implement
a process for quickly integrating off-cycle additions to
the team.
4. The following action should be taken within six months of
the first endorsement of this investigation.
a. Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, forward this
investigation to Command Leadership School, Newport, RI,
for inclusion in its curriculum.
b. Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, conduct an assist
visit for formal review of the Blue Angels Cresting
Process.
c. Chief of Naval Air Training, review and implement, as
necessary, a standardized inspection cycle to include
administrative, maintenance, and training programs at
the Blue Angels. Additionally, review the oversight
plan to cover the team while they are on travel to El
Centro and during the airshow season.
unannounced spot checks and an ethics in the
plan.
RANDY B. CRITES
Rear Admiral, United States Navy
49

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