Ted Stevens: “I do not know about other Members of the Senate, but I have dealt with Admiral Kelso now, I think, for at least 14…”

“I do not know about other Members of the Senate, but I have dealt with Admiral Kelso now, I think, for at least 14 years; maybe longer. I know that he, at the time of the Tailhook incident, sought to retire to take the total responsibility as then CNO. Secretary Garrett decided to retire, and the admiral was convinced to stay on board. He had a substantial job to do in downsizing the Navy. I further want to call the Senate's attention to the fact that this has developed into an unfortunate situation. I am the father of three daughters. I know Admiral Kelso to be the father of two daughters and two sons he is very proud of. One is a naval lieutenant. One of the daughters is married to a naval lieutenant. I do not know about the rest of you. I know this man as a man, and I have talked to him as a man about Tailhook. He is not an aviator. He was not there at that event as an aviator participating in Tailhook, whatever it was that was going on. I have before me now a statement that was made by the Secretary of Navy to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. It is signed by John Dalton as Secretary of the Navy. My good friend from California said that we had to understand that women must be treated with respect. I know of no naval officer who seeks to treat women in the Navy better than Admiral Kelso.”