The recent reassignment of the Kitty Hawk to San Diego recalls an earlier time in that aircraft carrier's history when relaxed discipline in the military services was making news.
Immediately following air operations aboard the Kitty Hawk on the evening of October 12, 1972, a series of incidents broke out wherein groups of blacks, armed with chains, wrenches, bars, broomsticks and other dangerous weapons went marauding through sections of the ship disobeying orders to cease, terrorizing the crew, and seeking out white personnel for senseless beating, with fists and with weapons which resulted in extremely serious injury to three men and the medical treatment of many more, including some blacks. While engaged in this conduct some were heard to shout, "Kill the son-of-a-bitch, kill the white trash; wipe him out!" Others shouted, "They are killing our brothers," — from H.A.S.C. No. 92-81: Report by the Special Subcommittee on Disciplinary Problems in the U.S. Navy, of the Committee on Armed Forces, House of Representatives, 92nd Congress, Second Session, January 2, 1973.
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