The decision to close the marina and sell the boats has got to be one of the most short-sighted ones ever made. I’m sure the bean-counter who made it arrived at his or her decision without regard to the morale or welfare of the troops who, after all, pay the ultimate price to do their countries bidding.

What E1 or E2 would want to spend a day on the waters here, crabbing or fishing, after returning from a long, arduous cruise visiting exotic ports of call such as Abu Dabi? Why, I bet they would rather sit in their single-man rooms at the barracks, drinking beer, eating pizza and playing Nintendo, or drinking at the all-new Back-Room whatever bar at the bowling alley. That’s all we need, another place for sailors to drink.

Lots of fun to be had in Canada, too, drinking and driving all the way up and back again. That way, when Johnny Sailor gets a DUI and goes to mast, his skipper can take all his hard-earned war-pay and apply that to the “primary mission” as well. Maybe the mucky-muck’s decision wasn’t so short sighted after all. Now, with a little extra time on his hands and no money, maybe Johnny can work off those extra pounds he gained from the pizza and beer. Oops! Sorry, the gym’s closed. Reduced hours. Gotta fund the primary mission. Lord knows taking care of the troops isn’t one of them.

Ron Hewitt

Oak Harbor