For Immediate Release

October 22, 1999

NAVY WILL PROMOTE INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
INVOLVED IN LASER INCIDENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) was informed today that the Navy has approved the promotion of the Navy Intelligence officer who believes his eyes were damaged by a laser aimed at him by the crew of a Russian merchant ship in 1997 in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

          Lt. John R. (Jack) Daly, who was aboard a Canadian Air Force helicopter in April 1997 when the incident occurred, has been concerned that his continued inquiries about the incident and the eye pain he continues to suffer could have affected his advancement in the Navy. Rep. Dicks has supported his cause and earlier this year asked the Navy Inspector General (IG) to look into reports of discrimination against Lt. Daly stemming from the incident. The IG report concluded in August that Daly had been the target of internal Navy reprisals affecting his fitness reports, and a new selection board was convened as a result.

      "This is encouraging news and I am pleased that the Navy has acted in a fair and responsible manner to promote this fine Naval officer. It sends the right message to the fleet, and it recognizes the contributions that Lt. Daly has made," Rep. Dicks said after he was informed of the Navy's decision Friday. The Navy said Daly will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

          Rep. Dicks has been involved in the case since Daly and the Canadian Air Force pilot originally experienced eye burns after flying a patrol mission over the Russian ship Kapitan Man in 1997. The congressman launched a House Intelligence Committee investigation into the matter, which eventually concluded that the eye injuries "could be consistent with laser burns," although this and subsequent investigations have failed to establish any direct link to the Kapitan Man.

          "Nevertheless," Rep. Dicks said, "this is an officer with a commendable service record who was doing his duty and who should receive fair consideration for promotion and the best medical care available."

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