JAG s09e15 Episode Script
Crash
Bedington Approach.
This is Firefighter 214.
Boarding to star, got the plane up Roger, 214.
You're on the box.
No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
and three quarters.
Report Paddles.
Roger.
This is 214 Hornet.
Three quarters of a mile, ball.
Roger, ball.
The deck is coming up.
You're below the glide slope, 214.
Go manual! Already done.
Bring it up! You're too low! Add power! Bring 'Er up! Power Power! Eject! Three nights ago, a Lieutenant James Ross crashed his F-18 Hornet into the ramp of the USS Bennington.
He was killed instantly.
AIRLANT JAG's are overextended, so you two are heading out there to investigate this afternoon.
S Sir, uh, could this not wait until tomorrow? Well, you're the one that's always begging me to go to sea.
Yeah, um No, well, I'm sure it-it'll be fine, sir.
What were the preliminary findings, sir? Unknown.
Petty Officer Coates has your orders.
Dismissed.
Ma'am, sir, you'll be leaving at 1600 from Andrews, then you pick up a COD in Naples.
Guess I'd better call Webb and tell him dinner's off.
It's kind of nice to be the one canceling for a change.
Jennifer, would you? It's about Mattie, right? It always is when you call me Jennifer.
Could you? I'd be glad to look after her, sir, as long as you leave me your credit card.
There's, uh, one other thing, though.
Uh, I'm supposed to meet with Mattie's English teacher tomorrow morning.
The dragon lady? Yeah.
She's threatening to flunk Mattie if she doesn't finish all the assignments from the first semester.
But she wasn't even here first semester.
We need to drill that into her head.
By "we", do you mean me, sir? Thank you.
Hey, uh I'm sick about not being able to be there.
It's under control, sir.
Don't worry about a thing.
Thanks.
Skipper said you did a great job on that Seahawk investigation, Commander.
I'll assist you in any way I can.
We appreciate that, CAG.
Lieutenant, what do you think happened that night? Ma'am, Lieutenant Ross intercepted the glide slope low.
Tried to get him to correct.
Did he correct? Not soon enough.
Was there a pitching deck? Yes, sir.
He was landing on automatic command.
Maybe there were problems with that.
By the time he switched to manual and tried to correct up, it was too late.
Well, maybe the problem didn't start until he switched to manual.
I suppose that's possible, sir.
Why would the pilot switch to manual if the plane was handling well on automatic? Well, some of the pilots get a little squirrelly just sitting on their hands.
I never liked flying automatic in a 14.
Does the F-18 have a black box? No, but it does have maintenance tape which should tell us everything that happened on the flight.
It was a hell of a blast, sir.
I'm afraid the maintenance tape burned up.
You're kidding.
But we did recover the front part of the plane, more or less.
Half the empennage just sheared off into the sea.
Well, what are the pieces telling you, Senior Chief? Stabilization and flight control systems look good, ma'am.
Nothing's really jumping out at us.
Keep us updated, huh? Of course, sir.
What can you tell us about Lieutenant Ross? Well, he never really gave us a hard time, but I really didn't know him that well, ma'am.
You might want to talk to his squadron commander.
Why don't I do that, and, uh, you can interview the Air Department personnel, huh? Sure.
You talk to the brass while I, uh, talk to the guys who do the real work.
Thank you, Senior Chief.
I'll show you the way, ma'am.
Nice to meet you, ma'am.
And you are? Jennifer Coates.
I'm Mattie's, um Stepmother? No, she just lives with me.
And your stepfather? Actually, he's not her stepfather.
He's her guardian, but, no, we're not a couple.
But the three of you do live together.
We live down the hall from Harm.
From Harm? Yeah, t-that's his name; My guardian.
This is all rather confusing.
The point is, ma'am, Harm, her guardian, asked that I stand in for him today.
Oh.
Well, I'm disappointed that he couldn't be here.
He got called away suddenly.
How long have you been in his care? Four weeks.
Well, I hope this doesn't become a pattern.
I've found that when parents don't take an interest in their child's education He's very interested, ma'am, which is why he sent me.
Most of the problems I run into are directly related to lack of parental supervision.
Mrs.
Drabowski, can we get back to the subject here? What do I need to do to pass your course? Your guardian needs to understand how important it is that he be truly involved.
He's doing the best he can.
Well, he needs to be mo responsible.
Would you stop insulting him, for God sakes? He's a good father.
Young lady, you need to calm down.
Like hell I do.
Mattie No, I'm not going to just stand there and listen to her trash-talk Harm.
Lieutenant Rose's death is a terrible loss.
He was mared with a little boy.
How long was he with the squadron? Nine months.
He was scheduled for six, then extended indefinitely.
It's a tough break, Commander.
We had a period of minimal flight ops, so I gave him and some of the other pilots two weeks leave to go back home.
When was that? They came back on board last week.
What kind of a pilot was he? Was he good? He won the Golden Tailhook twice.
Did he give you trouble of any kind? Commander, whatever happened with that plane, I sincerely doubt it was Lieutenant Rose's fault But you know how that goes.
Crashed a few yourself.
Yeah, well, sometimes, it's nobody's fault.
But that doesn't keep us from looking, does it? Seemed like a routine flight, ma'am.
Lieutenant Ross coupled up to the ACLS, Everything looked good for a hands-off landing.
And nothing on the scope indicated the 18 was coming in low? Not till the very end, ma'am.
As far as I could tell, the plane was following the precise approach path programmed into the computer.
Well, we'll want to examine that programming data.
Ma'am, the explosion knocked the computers off-line.
Data was lost.
Who does the programming? First Class Dakey This is Colonel Mackenzie from JAG.
Ma'am.
At ease.
Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Aren't you kind of young to be a Petty Officer First Class? Ma'am, when the Navy finds out you enjoy spending 15 hours a day fiddling with computers, they tend to promote you pretty fast.
Yeah.
I didn't realize that carrier landings had become so computerized.
Oh, I's incredible, ma'am.
Three years ago was the first time an F-18 did a fully automated GPS landing at sea.
Now a lot of CAGs prefer automatic landings.
Why is that? Less pilot error, ma'am.
And what about computer error? Ma'am, with all the innovations in the Flight Management System, computer error is negligible.
Soon we'll see unmanned planes landing on carriers.
The pilots'll love that.
It's a new world, ma'am.
So, four nights ago, was there any computer error? I saw no indications of it, ma'am.
I was sitting here at my screen when it happened.
You have no thoughts on what caused the crash? Maybe the pilot caused problems when he switched to manual.
Well, we haven't found reason to suspect that.
Petty Officer, if you have nagging concerns about anything Ma'am, you have to understand, a computer system's only as good as the data that's put into it.
Meaning? Nine times out of ten, when we've had minor problems, it's because of the angle of attack vane.
The what? The angle-of-attack-vane.
It's a $30 piece of equipment on the fuselage.
If it's miscalibrated, it sends false information to the computer, which can cause the plane to approach at an incorrect angle.
Well, how does it get miscalibrated? Sometimes, when it's windy, the vane knocks around and bangs against the stops.
It was real windy the night of the crash, ma'am.
Ma'am, there was nothing wrong with the angle-of-attack vane.
Senior Chief, a miscalibrated vane would explain what happened that night.
Because it was windy, I told the plane captain to be sure the vane was secure before the 18 took off.
I I w the MAF, Commander.
The CDI signed off on it.
We'll check with him.
Sir, there's no way that my maintenance department should have to take the rap for this.
Unless they screwed up.
Which they didn't! I'm sure of it.
You're awfully defensive, Senior Chief.
Whats it you're not telling us? I didn't want to speak ill of t dead, sir.
What is it, Senior Chief? When Lieutenant Ross returned from leave, he was acting kind of off kilter dressed.
Said his wife was having an affair.
He didn't care what happened to him.
Sir, ma'am I don't believe that crash was an accident.
Bennington approach, this is Firefighter 214.
Reporting astern.
Coupling up.
He's connecting the auto pilot with the ship's automatic landing system.
Roger, 214.
You're in the box.
No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
He means his life insurance policy.
Yeah, he's making a joke about being killed.
A joke or a prediction? No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
I can't tell if that's suicidal or not.
I mean, he sounds cocky.
It could be the adrenaline talking.
Well, why wouldn't he just crash into the ocean, so as t to endanger the crew? They probably weren't the top thing on his mind.
Bring 'Er up! Power! Eject! If it was suicide, maybe he left a note.
He was studying Spanish.
Among other things.
That's nice.
Where would you hide a suicide note if you were on a carrier? You'd hide it somewhere where your rack mates wouldn't find it until later.
Under a mattress? Oh, my God.
What? Well, how does someone with a little baby kill himself? I don't care if his wife was having an affair.
I wonder if he wrote her a letter.
Or an E-mail.
A lot of pilots take out extra insurance on top of their CGLI.
How much insurance do you have? Well, I'm going to have to take out a little more now that I got Mattie.
Yeah.
Oh.
Well, speak of the devil.
Go ahead.
I'll get started.
All right.
Hey, Mattie.
No, it's Jennifer.
Or Petty Officer Coates, whoever I am.
Oh, hey, Jennifer.
We had our meeting with the Dragon Lady today.
Mattie got mad and stormed off.
You're kidding.
I think she could use some parental guidance.
Put her on, would you? Mattie, want to talk to Harm? You didn't tell him what happened, did you? We can't be hiding stuff from him, Mattie.
Gee, what a great big sister you are.
Hey, Harm.
Hey, yourself.
What's this I hear about you walking out on Mrs.
Drabowski? She was acting like a witch.
I don't care, Mattie.
She's still your teacher.
She kept talking all this garbage, Harm.
She was saying that you're an irresponsible father who didn't care about my education.
So you were standing up for me.
Somebody had to.
Look, I can stand up for myself, Mattie.
Well, you can do that a week from Friday.
Jennifer talked her into rescheduling.
Good.
Are you going to be there? Of course I'm going to be there.
Nothing would keep me away from that.
Ma'am, you can click this icon right here to access the satellite.
Thanks for walking me through this, Petty Officer.
You ever have trouble with viruses? I built a pretty tight firewall, ma'am.
Don't want any terrorists implanting false navigation data.
Litenant Ross didn't send his wife any E-mails after he came back on board.
That's strange.
Most guys E-mail their wives once or twice a day.
Well, here's one he-he wrote her but he never sent.
Anything interesting, ma'am? "Arlene, how could you do this to me? "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just fly "into the back of the ship some night.
"I told Stanich "I don't give a damn if I live or die.
"He said he didn't give a damn, either, "and I should just suck it up and keep flying.
" I didn't take his comments seriously, Colonel.
You didn't take a suicide threat seriously? Carrier pilots and sailors have mood swings all the time.
Especially now with longer deployments.
If I worried about every single questionable remark or joke, none of my planes would ever get off the deck.
But Lieutenant Ross did make the statement.
Commander, you know how it is on a carrier.
Yeah, well, we're trying to find out how it is on this carrier, Commander.
When you were flying, would you have wanted your Squadron Commander to ground you every time you were feeling a little down? Lieutenant Ross wasn't "feeling a little down.
" I knew he was having a tough time.
But as a carrier pilot, you have to learn to fight through that.
Your life depends on your ability to forget everything else and focus on that heaving little speck of steel deck you have to land on.
Otherwise, you die.
Why didn't you tell us Lieutenant Ross was having problems? Because Ross was a good man.
And I don't have any evidence that his problems had anything to do with that crash.
Well, were you maybe covering up your own role in that crash? I didn't have any role, Colonel.
I was training Lieutenant Ross like I do all my pilots.
Now, that's what I'm concerned about, Commander.
Colonel, I was selected to command this squadron to go out and fight wars.
I don't expect to spend my time on sorority house foolishness.
That's what chaplains and flight surgeons are for.
Lieutenant Ross didn't go to them, Commander.
He came to you.
The tech rep agrees with the Senior Chief.
Wreckage analysis shows no evidence of mechanical problems.
Or computer problems.
Given Rose's E-mail, his statements to Stanich, his own words on the radio.
Yeah, and the aircraft's attitude during approach.
It sure as hell looks like suicide.
It would definitely appear that way.
And Squadron Commander error.
We have to deal with that, Harm.
Mac, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking.
Commander Stanich never should have sent Ross in that plane, given that he was obviously suicidal.
I recommend that Commaer Stanich be charged with dereliction of duty under Article 32 of the UCMJ.
That's a serious step, Colonel.
And an unwarranted one, sir.
Commander Stanich could have shown better judgment, but his actions certainly don't merit criminal proceedings.
Lieutenant Ross was severely emotionally disturbed.
He had no business flying in that plane.
He took his own life, Mac.
Shifting blame would be a travesty.
Come on, Harm.
He expressed clear suicidal intent.
Guys say all kinds of things when they've been at sea for months.
With all due respect to the colonel, sir, she, uh, doesn't quite grasp that.
Commander Stanich subscribed to an outdated macho code that has no place in today's military.
He refused to save a man who was begging for help.
/C He was trying to turn that Mn into a fighter pilot who could fly safely in crisis situations.
You can't start court-martialing officers for trying to do their job.
Well, if he'd done his job properly, Ross would still be alive.
And you two work together? Must be a real picnic.
Does Commander Stanich acknowledge having this discussion with Lieutenant Ross? He does, sir.
However Commander, I've always trusted Stanich's judgment.
But his primary responsibility is to take care of his people.
And it sounds as though he's failed to do that.
Captain, we're holding Commander Stanich to an impossible standard.
A man's life was lost, thousands of lives were endangered, a $40 million aircraft was destroyed.
No.
I agree with the colonel that Stanich's actions or inactions merit an Article 32 investigation.
At the very least.
And bring me the flight schedule as soon as it's ready.
Roger that, sir.
Commander Stanich.
Sir.
Colonel.
Could you join us in my stateroom? We need to talk.
Sir, can I just take a couple of minutes to change into my flight gear? We should do it now, Commander.
What is it, sir? Commander, I have ordered article 32 on your performance as Lieutenant Rose's commanding officer.
Now, pending the outcome of this investigation, you are relieved of your command effective immediately.
d Is this a quiet place where you should be alone? d Howdy, stranger.
Howdy.
I thought you were still off at sea.
Yeah, well, I thought you'd be at volleyball practice.
I went to the school looking for you.
Well, I'm a little sick.
Oh, yeah? How was practice on Tuesday? Was okay, I guess.
No one ever sets me to spike the ball.
Well, they will when they find out how awesome you are.
Yeah.
There's all these stupid cliques.
I don't even care.
Is that why you didn't go today? Mattie, you know, when things don't go your way, you can't just give up I said, I'm sick, okay? I didn't want to puke all over the court.
Hey Mattie You've been through hell these last couple of months.
I-I want you to promise me something.
If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, you'll come to me.
Oh, I'll definitely do that if you're around.
I mean, I'm just trying to figure out who my guardian is, you or Jennifer.
I am.
I don't like being a teenager and going to school.
I liked running my own business, and being in charge.
You know, Mattie I never felt like I got to be a teenager, and I've always regretted it.
You have plenty of time to grow up.
Enjoy the freedom.
Before I met you, I could pretty much do what I wanted.
Well, so could I before I met you.
I don't care what my husband wrote in that E-mail.
He did not kill himself.
Mrs.
Ross A lot of Navy families have problems when the guy comes home.
We were no different.
Well, apparently, your husband was disturbed by your affair.
I wasn't having an affair.
But your husband thought you were.
Why are you doing this to me? Mrs.
Ross, I want justice for him.
Justice? Commander Stanich had a duty to refer anyone exhibiting the warning signs of suicide to a chaplain or physician.
He never should have ordered your husband to fly.
I believe he was guilty of negligent dereliction.
I need you to testify against him.
And say what? Well, talk about your husband's mood when he was with you on leave.
I know this is a hard thing that I'm asking you to do.
You have no idea.
I'm a single mom with half a college degree and no job.
Ifim's death is called a suicide, me and my baby are out $500,000 in insurance money.
I NT to get to the bottom of what happened to your husband.
All I care about is taking care of this little boy.
I understand your feelings, Mrs.
Ross.
Unfortunately, I may have to subpoena you.
The colonel's case pretty much boils down to Person A kills himself and we charge Person B for not stopping him.
Sir, B was A's commanding officer.
So, uh, God forbid, something happens to you I would be held responsible? Admiral, if I tell you I'm feeling self-destructive, and you order me to suck it up and climb to the top of a tall building with no railing and look down, then yes, you would be partially responsible.
Commander Stanich simply ordered Lieutenant Ross to do his job.
Sir, we have to face up to the fact that military men can commit suicide, too.
Prosecuting Commander Stanich is a roundabout way of having anyone face up to anything.
I agree, Commander.
Well, Stanich's commanding officer disagrees, sir.
Which brings us to the Article 32.
I've already assigned Lieutenant Roberts to second chair the defense.
Colonel, you will, uh you'll defend Commander Stanich.
Uh, Commander, you'll prosecute.
Sir Just kidding.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Mac's discovery package.
We need to start shooting holes in it.
Already begun my research, sir.
Research on what? Well, in a general sense this is the suicide prevention software used by the Army.
Helps to teach you how to deal with people who may be suicidal like this guy here.
He's a virtual soldier from Kentucky by the name of Billy Parker.
Billy, you can't do this to yourself.
I just want all this to end.
I hate to be selfish, but I feel like I can't go on.
I-I hate to think about hurting my family, but I really can't stand this anymore.
Okay, so if a soldier told you that, sir, what would be your response? Don't be a fool.
Sorry, sir.
The program scores you zero for that response.
The program says that you should establish trust d suspend moral judgment.
I can't believe we're wasting money on this kind of nonsense.
Well, sir, if it saves just one life, it's worth it.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of death in the military is suicide? Well, people are mixed up everywhere, Bud.
It's not just mixed-up people, sir.
You know When I lost my leg, there was a really rough stretch.
I felt like my life was over.
I just thank God that I didn't have a gun nearby, because Now I'm the happiest that I've ever been.
I, uh No, sir, nobody knew Except for Harriet.
Oh, uh, another great feature, sir, is that it helps to identify people that are at high risk for suicide.
So what would What would you tell Soldier Billy? Oh, they give you a couple of good options.
One of them is to, uh, express your concern or to offer help.
I could mention to him how it might affect his family.
Maybe I'll suggest to him that he has a hofudge sundae.
Always cheers me up.
My husband was a loyal and caring person.
How did he act when he came home on leave? Why should I have to answer that? Mrs.
Ross, you are required to respond to trial counsel's questions.
When Jim came home, we had a hard time.
In what way? He wasn't himself.
He got used to being this cocky carrier pilot.
He ordered me and the baby around like we were enlisted personnel.
How does that make you feel? How would you feel? The baby would cry.
I'd yell at Jim, and then he'd yell back, and then Please And then what, Mrs.
Ross? He got this crazy idea that I must be going out with someone else, an old boyfriend of mine, which is nuts, because I didn't even like him anymore.
I still loved my husband.
It must've been extremely difficult for your husband.
Did he ever talk about hurting himself? Objection.
Spousal privilege.
Given our need for the evidence, and the fact the spouse is deceased, I will overrule.
You must answer, Mrs.
Ross.
Your Honor this is too personal.
Arlene, with your help, we can get the Navy to take action so what happened to your family doesn't happen to any other family.
Objection.
Jim's death doesn't have to be in vain.
Your Honor, this is a criminal proceeding, not a crusade.
Colonel, stop editorializing.
Mrs.
Ross, please answer the question.
Did your husband talk about hurting himself? Jim called from Naples Right before he went back aboard.
He was talking crazy about how we were going to get divorced and he was never going to see his son again.
He said he didn't know if life was still worth living.
What did you tell him? I begged him to see a chaplain or somebody so Jim promised me that if he really felt bad and needed help, he would tell his C.
O.
, and that's exactly what he did.
He told Stanich, and the bastard sent him up in that plane to die.
Objection.
Sustained.
That'll be all, Your Honor.
Thank you for your courage, Mrs.
Ross.
Mrs.
Ross, you didn't know that your husband was going to kill himself, did you? No.
And you were certainly more intimate with him than Commander Stanich was, so how could he have known, if you didn't? He should've known enough not to send him up in that plane to die.
And you can object all you want.
It's the truth.
In retrospect, I wish I hadn't given my men two weeks leave.
Why is that, Commander? When they came back on board, they had a hard time readjusting to carrier operations.
Well, how did these difficulties manifest themselves? Morale problems, bickering, lack of focus So Lieutenant Ross was not the only pilot affected.
That's correct, Commander And a lot of the guys would let off steam by saying things that were a little off the wall.
What kind of things? One of my men joked about slugging the captain so he could get off the ship.
Another pilot made remarks about jumping in the ocean and swimming back to Naples.
You have to understand Carrier pilots risk their lives daily.
A little gallows humor keeps us sane.
And that's how you understood Lieutenant Rose's remarks.
I looked right in his eyes.
I thought he was fooling around like the rest of us.
Commander, if I had any idea Jim Ross was going to fly that plane into the ramp, I would have grounded him in a heartbeat.
Thank you, Commander.
Your witness.
Commander Stanich, what exactly did Lieutenant Ross say to you when you looked right in his eyes? Ma'am, I don't recall his precise words.
Lieutenant Rose's unsent E-mail.
Would you please read the first highlighted sentence? "I told Stanich I don't give a damn if I live or die.
" Is that an accurate rendering of what the lieutenant said to you? I thought he was blustering, Colonel.
It's a little hard to explain out of context.
It's hard to explain in any context.
Objection.
Badgering the witness.
Sustained.
Read the next sentence, please.
"He said he didn't give a damn, either, "and I should just suck it up and keep flying.
" Is that what you told him? Colonel, carrier pilots need to be mentally tough.
I train my men to ignore distractions so they can complete their missions.
"He said he didn't give a damn and I should just suck it up.
" I didn't tell him to crash into the ship.
But it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure your pilots are ready to fly.
Isn't that so, Commander? My squadron's performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom was outstanding, Colonel.
But you failed this time, didn't you, Commander? Mike? Mike, are you there? Mike, I know you're there.
Pick up.
For God sakes, how long is this act going to go on, Mikey? Uh, no, I'll, uh I'll talk to you later.
Bye-bye.
What is your opinion of Commander Stanich? He's a good man.
A little old-school.
He didn't get where he is by being negligent or by being a bad judge of character, did he? What are you getting at, sir? What if he was right about Ross? You mean Let's get moving, Bud.
Nice of you to make it.
Sorry we're late, Your Honor.
I was conducting a last-minute review of evidence.
May we approach the bench, sir? Granted.
Colonel? Sir, I would like to request a continuance at this time to reopen the investigation into the crash.
It's a little late for that, Counselor.
I am not completely convinced it was suicide, Your Honor.
Is there new evidence that trial counsel was not aware of? Some new, some old.
I believe we may have been a little hasty in our assumption.
If there is additional evidence, I I just received it.
I had subpoenaed Lieutenant Rose's financial records.
Two days before his death, he ordered a brand-new motorcycle on the Internet certainly not the kind of behavior you would expect from someone about to take their life.
Your Honor, I'm sure Lieutenant Ross had mood swings.
Your Honor, if Ross committed suicide out of anger toward his wife, why wouldn't he leave a note or forward the E-mail blaming his wife, causing her even more guilt? Maybe Ross didn't leave a note because he wanted his son to get insurance money.
There's another problem, sir.
Why did he crash into the ramp, endangering the crew? He had no beef against them.
Why wouldn't he just fly directly into the ocean? Commander, we've already discussed this.
You can't expect suicides to be rational.
Are you totally positive it was suicide, Colonel? You do raise some interesting questions, Counselor, however belatedly.
Your Honor, I think we owe it to Commander Stanich to answer those questions.
And we certainly owe it to Arlene Ross.
How much time do you need? A week.
I'll give you two days.
Sir, it'll take two days just to get out to the carrier and back.
Make it four.
This hearing is in recess until my call.
You're leaving again? I'm sorry, Mattie.
I didn't have time to come home to tell you.
Where are you going this time? We're going back to the Mediterranean, but only for four days.
Will you be back on Friday by 4:00? Why? I told you.
That's when you have the meeting with the Dragon Lady.
I'm going to try to make it.
That means no.
Mattie, I'm sorry, I have to do this.
A man's life is at stake.
He's looking at prison time.
Yeah, go ahead, knock yourself out.
Sir, Lieutenant Roberts and I were hoping to recreate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
So I'm requesting permission to do an automatic landing in an F-18.
Aren't you a 14 driver? Well, I'm qualified for another agency of the government.
Another, uh, "agency.
" I can get you official unofficial confirmation, sir.
I see.
Well, in that case, um, I think we can schedule you.
Thank you, CAG.
Sir, has the, uh, tech rep submitted his final report? Yeah.
Still no evidence of any mechanical problems.
What about the computer system, sir? Our computer tech evaluated the entire J-PALS system.
No bugs, no glitches.
But with the aircraft maintenance tape burned up, we have no way to know exactly how that system was programmed for that flight.
We'll need to talk to your computer tech, too, sir.
DAKE We ran exhaustive tests on every element of the shipboard system.
We also recovered key components of the 18's Flight Management System.
Everything checked out perfectly, sir.
If there was a programming glitch, would these radar scopes have indicated that? Yes, sir.
You sure? I examined everything, sir.
So did the two other Petty Officers who assist me.
Does your system record any alterations in programming? We're still working on that feature, sir.
Well, fortunately, we can confirm all that because we were able to recover the data from the aircraft's maintenance tape.
I thought it burned, sir.
Uh, only partially.
We took it to the Naval Research Lab and they were able to reconstitute the fragments the tape of the final 84 seconds of the flight.
Well, that's great news, sir.
Yeah, because I'll be flying an F-18 tonight at the exact automatic settings you programmed for Lieutenant Ross.
So that will prove that your settings are accurate, correct? Yes, sir.
And they had better be accurate or I'm a dead man.
Sir, if you give me the data, I'll take care of programming the system myself.
Well, that wouldn't be proper investigative protocol.
You could hang around and watch me trap though, if you'd like.
Thank you, sir.
Is there anything else, sir? No, that'll be all, First Class.
Yes, sir.
Just trying to back you up, sir.
You playing a hunch? Yeah, we had better let the ATC and the CAG know what we have in mind.
What do we have in mind, sir? We're putting your computer expertise to work, Lieutenant.
Roll, baby, roll.
Commander Rabb's a real cowboy, isn't he? He has a very active inner child, sir.
ACLS contact confirmed.
Sir, may I use the radio? Go ahead, sir.
Commander, we're ready for you.
You got it, Lieutenant.
Bennington, this is 210 Hornet.
Commencing approach, three point nine.
Roger, 210.
Radar contact.
Approach, I have the carrier in sight.
Requesting a Mode One landing.
Mode One approved, 210.
You're in the box.
Okay, I'm coupling up.
Three quarter mile, ball.
Roger.
Ball.
These numbers don't look right.
I think you guys programmed it wrong.
Don't worry, we programmed it just like you did.
No, send him around.
I'll double-check.
No, not necessary.
Radar shows him on the glide slope.
Continue inbound.
You don't understand.
What don't we understand, Petty Officer? My system looks good.
I'm staying coupled up.
You'll crash! Radar says he's fine.
Radar's wrong! That's why Ross crashed! Don't sweat it, Petty Officer.
I've been on manual the whole time.
Looking good, 210.
Bring it in! This was a trick.
You rigged it.
U left us no choice, Petty Officer.
We had a couple four-wires that night.
Planes were landing long.
So I tweaked the system.
But you overcorrected.
That's why Ross came in too low.
I wanted to say something, but Instead you let his widow believe that her husband had killed himself.
I know.
And you were willing to let Commander Stanich face prison.
I never thought it would really happen, sir.
I can deal with accidents, but you lied and covered up.
And for that, you're going to the brig.
How much time will I get, sir? If I have my way, years Let's go.
Sir, let me handle this.
Dakey, stop! Dakey, wait! You don't WA to go up there! There's nothing up there! Lieutenant, be careful! I got it! Dakey Don't come any closer, I'll jump! Stay, calm, okay? It's freezing down there.
Good, I'll die quick.
No, you won' It'll take hours.
And the whole time you'll be thinking, "What an awful mistake.
" I'm not going to let you trick me again.
No tricks.
Okay? No tricks.
Just take it easy.
I can't go to prison.
Hey, I'd be scared too, Joe, but you can get through this.
I just want it to be over! You can't do this to yourself, Joe.
Watch me.
Dakey, don't be a fool! You'll never see another sunrise, or see your family again! It's not worth it.
You stay back.
Just listen to me, okay? Let me help you.
Take my hand.
Come on, Joe.
I got you.
I accept the revised findings that Lieutenant Ross did not commit suicide.
However, that does not absolve Commander Stanich of his responsibilities as a leader.
Lieutenant Ross gave clear, incontrovertible evidence of suicidal ideation.
The commander needed to respond to that.
The Navy breeds physical and mental toughness, a quality that has helped to protect our country from foreign enemies for over 200 years.
But the Navy must also acknowledge that military men, however tough, are not magically immune from depression, emotional crises and mental instability.
The fact that the sailor responsible for the crash almost killed himself is proof of that.
When a man comes to his commanding officer and asks for help, help should be provided.
Commander Stanich, your behavior was indeed regrettable.
However, you acted out of an honest belief that you were making the right decisions for your men.
Your safety record prior to this incident was exemplary.
I have no doubt that you have learned from this tragedy, and would handle a similar situation differently in the future.
Therefore I see no reason to recommend this Article 32 to court martial.
This hearing is adjourned.
Congratulations, sir.
Thank you, Lieutenant.
Commander, thank you.
Congratulations.
Nice job, Mac.
You too, Harm.
Although, you know your client is still responsible for Lieutenant Ross' death.
You never give up, do you? Lieutenant Ross' death was caused by a computer that was incorrectly programmed.
And because he was depressed.
I am sure that slowed his reaction time when the plane started having problems.
See, you always want to make life simple, Harm, but it's not.
Mattie! Hey.
I hold my students to high standards, Mr.
Rabb.
I have no problem with that.
Well, Mattie has completed none other required first-semester writing assignments.
Ma'am I cannot give her a passing grade unless she makes up that work.
In the past four months, Mattie has written a business plan for a crop dusting company, letters to suppliers and credit agencies, the IRS, not to mention a 20-page letter to the judge at her juvenile-court hearing.
You're welcome to review all of them.
Well, I suppose this will do.
Thank you.
This is Firefighter 214.
Boarding to star, got the plane up Roger, 214.
You're on the box.
No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
and three quarters.
Report Paddles.
Roger.
This is 214 Hornet.
Three quarters of a mile, ball.
Roger, ball.
The deck is coming up.
You're below the glide slope, 214.
Go manual! Already done.
Bring it up! You're too low! Add power! Bring 'Er up! Power Power! Eject! Three nights ago, a Lieutenant James Ross crashed his F-18 Hornet into the ramp of the USS Bennington.
He was killed instantly.
AIRLANT JAG's are overextended, so you two are heading out there to investigate this afternoon.
S Sir, uh, could this not wait until tomorrow? Well, you're the one that's always begging me to go to sea.
Yeah, um No, well, I'm sure it-it'll be fine, sir.
What were the preliminary findings, sir? Unknown.
Petty Officer Coates has your orders.
Dismissed.
Ma'am, sir, you'll be leaving at 1600 from Andrews, then you pick up a COD in Naples.
Guess I'd better call Webb and tell him dinner's off.
It's kind of nice to be the one canceling for a change.
Jennifer, would you? It's about Mattie, right? It always is when you call me Jennifer.
Could you? I'd be glad to look after her, sir, as long as you leave me your credit card.
There's, uh, one other thing, though.
Uh, I'm supposed to meet with Mattie's English teacher tomorrow morning.
The dragon lady? Yeah.
She's threatening to flunk Mattie if she doesn't finish all the assignments from the first semester.
But she wasn't even here first semester.
We need to drill that into her head.
By "we", do you mean me, sir? Thank you.
Hey, uh I'm sick about not being able to be there.
It's under control, sir.
Don't worry about a thing.
Thanks.
Skipper said you did a great job on that Seahawk investigation, Commander.
I'll assist you in any way I can.
We appreciate that, CAG.
Lieutenant, what do you think happened that night? Ma'am, Lieutenant Ross intercepted the glide slope low.
Tried to get him to correct.
Did he correct? Not soon enough.
Was there a pitching deck? Yes, sir.
He was landing on automatic command.
Maybe there were problems with that.
By the time he switched to manual and tried to correct up, it was too late.
Well, maybe the problem didn't start until he switched to manual.
I suppose that's possible, sir.
Why would the pilot switch to manual if the plane was handling well on automatic? Well, some of the pilots get a little squirrelly just sitting on their hands.
I never liked flying automatic in a 14.
Does the F-18 have a black box? No, but it does have maintenance tape which should tell us everything that happened on the flight.
It was a hell of a blast, sir.
I'm afraid the maintenance tape burned up.
You're kidding.
But we did recover the front part of the plane, more or less.
Half the empennage just sheared off into the sea.
Well, what are the pieces telling you, Senior Chief? Stabilization and flight control systems look good, ma'am.
Nothing's really jumping out at us.
Keep us updated, huh? Of course, sir.
What can you tell us about Lieutenant Ross? Well, he never really gave us a hard time, but I really didn't know him that well, ma'am.
You might want to talk to his squadron commander.
Why don't I do that, and, uh, you can interview the Air Department personnel, huh? Sure.
You talk to the brass while I, uh, talk to the guys who do the real work.
Thank you, Senior Chief.
I'll show you the way, ma'am.
Nice to meet you, ma'am.
And you are? Jennifer Coates.
I'm Mattie's, um Stepmother? No, she just lives with me.
And your stepfather? Actually, he's not her stepfather.
He's her guardian, but, no, we're not a couple.
But the three of you do live together.
We live down the hall from Harm.
From Harm? Yeah, t-that's his name; My guardian.
This is all rather confusing.
The point is, ma'am, Harm, her guardian, asked that I stand in for him today.
Oh.
Well, I'm disappointed that he couldn't be here.
He got called away suddenly.
How long have you been in his care? Four weeks.
Well, I hope this doesn't become a pattern.
I've found that when parents don't take an interest in their child's education He's very interested, ma'am, which is why he sent me.
Most of the problems I run into are directly related to lack of parental supervision.
Mrs.
Drabowski, can we get back to the subject here? What do I need to do to pass your course? Your guardian needs to understand how important it is that he be truly involved.
He's doing the best he can.
Well, he needs to be mo responsible.
Would you stop insulting him, for God sakes? He's a good father.
Young lady, you need to calm down.
Like hell I do.
Mattie No, I'm not going to just stand there and listen to her trash-talk Harm.
Lieutenant Rose's death is a terrible loss.
He was mared with a little boy.
How long was he with the squadron? Nine months.
He was scheduled for six, then extended indefinitely.
It's a tough break, Commander.
We had a period of minimal flight ops, so I gave him and some of the other pilots two weeks leave to go back home.
When was that? They came back on board last week.
What kind of a pilot was he? Was he good? He won the Golden Tailhook twice.
Did he give you trouble of any kind? Commander, whatever happened with that plane, I sincerely doubt it was Lieutenant Rose's fault But you know how that goes.
Crashed a few yourself.
Yeah, well, sometimes, it's nobody's fault.
But that doesn't keep us from looking, does it? Seemed like a routine flight, ma'am.
Lieutenant Ross coupled up to the ACLS, Everything looked good for a hands-off landing.
And nothing on the scope indicated the 18 was coming in low? Not till the very end, ma'am.
As far as I could tell, the plane was following the precise approach path programmed into the computer.
Well, we'll want to examine that programming data.
Ma'am, the explosion knocked the computers off-line.
Data was lost.
Who does the programming? First Class Dakey This is Colonel Mackenzie from JAG.
Ma'am.
At ease.
Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Aren't you kind of young to be a Petty Officer First Class? Ma'am, when the Navy finds out you enjoy spending 15 hours a day fiddling with computers, they tend to promote you pretty fast.
Yeah.
I didn't realize that carrier landings had become so computerized.
Oh, I's incredible, ma'am.
Three years ago was the first time an F-18 did a fully automated GPS landing at sea.
Now a lot of CAGs prefer automatic landings.
Why is that? Less pilot error, ma'am.
And what about computer error? Ma'am, with all the innovations in the Flight Management System, computer error is negligible.
Soon we'll see unmanned planes landing on carriers.
The pilots'll love that.
It's a new world, ma'am.
So, four nights ago, was there any computer error? I saw no indications of it, ma'am.
I was sitting here at my screen when it happened.
You have no thoughts on what caused the crash? Maybe the pilot caused problems when he switched to manual.
Well, we haven't found reason to suspect that.
Petty Officer, if you have nagging concerns about anything Ma'am, you have to understand, a computer system's only as good as the data that's put into it.
Meaning? Nine times out of ten, when we've had minor problems, it's because of the angle of attack vane.
The what? The angle-of-attack-vane.
It's a $30 piece of equipment on the fuselage.
If it's miscalibrated, it sends false information to the computer, which can cause the plane to approach at an incorrect angle.
Well, how does it get miscalibrated? Sometimes, when it's windy, the vane knocks around and bangs against the stops.
It was real windy the night of the crash, ma'am.
Ma'am, there was nothing wrong with the angle-of-attack vane.
Senior Chief, a miscalibrated vane would explain what happened that night.
Because it was windy, I told the plane captain to be sure the vane was secure before the 18 took off.
I I w the MAF, Commander.
The CDI signed off on it.
We'll check with him.
Sir, there's no way that my maintenance department should have to take the rap for this.
Unless they screwed up.
Which they didn't! I'm sure of it.
You're awfully defensive, Senior Chief.
Whats it you're not telling us? I didn't want to speak ill of t dead, sir.
What is it, Senior Chief? When Lieutenant Ross returned from leave, he was acting kind of off kilter dressed.
Said his wife was having an affair.
He didn't care what happened to him.
Sir, ma'am I don't believe that crash was an accident.
Bennington approach, this is Firefighter 214.
Reporting astern.
Coupling up.
He's connecting the auto pilot with the ship's automatic landing system.
Roger, 214.
You're in the box.
No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
He means his life insurance policy.
Yeah, he's making a joke about being killed.
A joke or a prediction? No sweat, Approach.
My policy's paid up.
I can't tell if that's suicidal or not.
I mean, he sounds cocky.
It could be the adrenaline talking.
Well, why wouldn't he just crash into the ocean, so as t to endanger the crew? They probably weren't the top thing on his mind.
Bring 'Er up! Power! Eject! If it was suicide, maybe he left a note.
He was studying Spanish.
Among other things.
That's nice.
Where would you hide a suicide note if you were on a carrier? You'd hide it somewhere where your rack mates wouldn't find it until later.
Under a mattress? Oh, my God.
What? Well, how does someone with a little baby kill himself? I don't care if his wife was having an affair.
I wonder if he wrote her a letter.
Or an E-mail.
A lot of pilots take out extra insurance on top of their CGLI.
How much insurance do you have? Well, I'm going to have to take out a little more now that I got Mattie.
Yeah.
Oh.
Well, speak of the devil.
Go ahead.
I'll get started.
All right.
Hey, Mattie.
No, it's Jennifer.
Or Petty Officer Coates, whoever I am.
Oh, hey, Jennifer.
We had our meeting with the Dragon Lady today.
Mattie got mad and stormed off.
You're kidding.
I think she could use some parental guidance.
Put her on, would you? Mattie, want to talk to Harm? You didn't tell him what happened, did you? We can't be hiding stuff from him, Mattie.
Gee, what a great big sister you are.
Hey, Harm.
Hey, yourself.
What's this I hear about you walking out on Mrs.
Drabowski? She was acting like a witch.
I don't care, Mattie.
She's still your teacher.
She kept talking all this garbage, Harm.
She was saying that you're an irresponsible father who didn't care about my education.
So you were standing up for me.
Somebody had to.
Look, I can stand up for myself, Mattie.
Well, you can do that a week from Friday.
Jennifer talked her into rescheduling.
Good.
Are you going to be there? Of course I'm going to be there.
Nothing would keep me away from that.
Ma'am, you can click this icon right here to access the satellite.
Thanks for walking me through this, Petty Officer.
You ever have trouble with viruses? I built a pretty tight firewall, ma'am.
Don't want any terrorists implanting false navigation data.
Litenant Ross didn't send his wife any E-mails after he came back on board.
That's strange.
Most guys E-mail their wives once or twice a day.
Well, here's one he-he wrote her but he never sent.
Anything interesting, ma'am? "Arlene, how could you do this to me? "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just fly "into the back of the ship some night.
"I told Stanich "I don't give a damn if I live or die.
"He said he didn't give a damn, either, "and I should just suck it up and keep flying.
" I didn't take his comments seriously, Colonel.
You didn't take a suicide threat seriously? Carrier pilots and sailors have mood swings all the time.
Especially now with longer deployments.
If I worried about every single questionable remark or joke, none of my planes would ever get off the deck.
But Lieutenant Ross did make the statement.
Commander, you know how it is on a carrier.
Yeah, well, we're trying to find out how it is on this carrier, Commander.
When you were flying, would you have wanted your Squadron Commander to ground you every time you were feeling a little down? Lieutenant Ross wasn't "feeling a little down.
" I knew he was having a tough time.
But as a carrier pilot, you have to learn to fight through that.
Your life depends on your ability to forget everything else and focus on that heaving little speck of steel deck you have to land on.
Otherwise, you die.
Why didn't you tell us Lieutenant Ross was having problems? Because Ross was a good man.
And I don't have any evidence that his problems had anything to do with that crash.
Well, were you maybe covering up your own role in that crash? I didn't have any role, Colonel.
I was training Lieutenant Ross like I do all my pilots.
Now, that's what I'm concerned about, Commander.
Colonel, I was selected to command this squadron to go out and fight wars.
I don't expect to spend my time on sorority house foolishness.
That's what chaplains and flight surgeons are for.
Lieutenant Ross didn't go to them, Commander.
He came to you.
The tech rep agrees with the Senior Chief.
Wreckage analysis shows no evidence of mechanical problems.
Or computer problems.
Given Rose's E-mail, his statements to Stanich, his own words on the radio.
Yeah, and the aircraft's attitude during approach.
It sure as hell looks like suicide.
It would definitely appear that way.
And Squadron Commander error.
We have to deal with that, Harm.
Mac, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking.
Commander Stanich never should have sent Ross in that plane, given that he was obviously suicidal.
I recommend that Commaer Stanich be charged with dereliction of duty under Article 32 of the UCMJ.
That's a serious step, Colonel.
And an unwarranted one, sir.
Commander Stanich could have shown better judgment, but his actions certainly don't merit criminal proceedings.
Lieutenant Ross was severely emotionally disturbed.
He had no business flying in that plane.
He took his own life, Mac.
Shifting blame would be a travesty.
Come on, Harm.
He expressed clear suicidal intent.
Guys say all kinds of things when they've been at sea for months.
With all due respect to the colonel, sir, she, uh, doesn't quite grasp that.
Commander Stanich subscribed to an outdated macho code that has no place in today's military.
He refused to save a man who was begging for help.
/C He was trying to turn that Mn into a fighter pilot who could fly safely in crisis situations.
You can't start court-martialing officers for trying to do their job.
Well, if he'd done his job properly, Ross would still be alive.
And you two work together? Must be a real picnic.
Does Commander Stanich acknowledge having this discussion with Lieutenant Ross? He does, sir.
However Commander, I've always trusted Stanich's judgment.
But his primary responsibility is to take care of his people.
And it sounds as though he's failed to do that.
Captain, we're holding Commander Stanich to an impossible standard.
A man's life was lost, thousands of lives were endangered, a $40 million aircraft was destroyed.
No.
I agree with the colonel that Stanich's actions or inactions merit an Article 32 investigation.
At the very least.
And bring me the flight schedule as soon as it's ready.
Roger that, sir.
Commander Stanich.
Sir.
Colonel.
Could you join us in my stateroom? We need to talk.
Sir, can I just take a couple of minutes to change into my flight gear? We should do it now, Commander.
What is it, sir? Commander, I have ordered article 32 on your performance as Lieutenant Rose's commanding officer.
Now, pending the outcome of this investigation, you are relieved of your command effective immediately.
d Is this a quiet place where you should be alone? d Howdy, stranger.
Howdy.
I thought you were still off at sea.
Yeah, well, I thought you'd be at volleyball practice.
I went to the school looking for you.
Well, I'm a little sick.
Oh, yeah? How was practice on Tuesday? Was okay, I guess.
No one ever sets me to spike the ball.
Well, they will when they find out how awesome you are.
Yeah.
There's all these stupid cliques.
I don't even care.
Is that why you didn't go today? Mattie, you know, when things don't go your way, you can't just give up I said, I'm sick, okay? I didn't want to puke all over the court.
Hey Mattie You've been through hell these last couple of months.
I-I want you to promise me something.
If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, you'll come to me.
Oh, I'll definitely do that if you're around.
I mean, I'm just trying to figure out who my guardian is, you or Jennifer.
I am.
I don't like being a teenager and going to school.
I liked running my own business, and being in charge.
You know, Mattie I never felt like I got to be a teenager, and I've always regretted it.
You have plenty of time to grow up.
Enjoy the freedom.
Before I met you, I could pretty much do what I wanted.
Well, so could I before I met you.
I don't care what my husband wrote in that E-mail.
He did not kill himself.
Mrs.
Ross A lot of Navy families have problems when the guy comes home.
We were no different.
Well, apparently, your husband was disturbed by your affair.
I wasn't having an affair.
But your husband thought you were.
Why are you doing this to me? Mrs.
Ross, I want justice for him.
Justice? Commander Stanich had a duty to refer anyone exhibiting the warning signs of suicide to a chaplain or physician.
He never should have ordered your husband to fly.
I believe he was guilty of negligent dereliction.
I need you to testify against him.
And say what? Well, talk about your husband's mood when he was with you on leave.
I know this is a hard thing that I'm asking you to do.
You have no idea.
I'm a single mom with half a college degree and no job.
Ifim's death is called a suicide, me and my baby are out $500,000 in insurance money.
I NT to get to the bottom of what happened to your husband.
All I care about is taking care of this little boy.
I understand your feelings, Mrs.
Ross.
Unfortunately, I may have to subpoena you.
The colonel's case pretty much boils down to Person A kills himself and we charge Person B for not stopping him.
Sir, B was A's commanding officer.
So, uh, God forbid, something happens to you I would be held responsible? Admiral, if I tell you I'm feeling self-destructive, and you order me to suck it up and climb to the top of a tall building with no railing and look down, then yes, you would be partially responsible.
Commander Stanich simply ordered Lieutenant Ross to do his job.
Sir, we have to face up to the fact that military men can commit suicide, too.
Prosecuting Commander Stanich is a roundabout way of having anyone face up to anything.
I agree, Commander.
Well, Stanich's commanding officer disagrees, sir.
Which brings us to the Article 32.
I've already assigned Lieutenant Roberts to second chair the defense.
Colonel, you will, uh you'll defend Commander Stanich.
Uh, Commander, you'll prosecute.
Sir Just kidding.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Mac's discovery package.
We need to start shooting holes in it.
Already begun my research, sir.
Research on what? Well, in a general sense this is the suicide prevention software used by the Army.
Helps to teach you how to deal with people who may be suicidal like this guy here.
He's a virtual soldier from Kentucky by the name of Billy Parker.
Billy, you can't do this to yourself.
I just want all this to end.
I hate to be selfish, but I feel like I can't go on.
I-I hate to think about hurting my family, but I really can't stand this anymore.
Okay, so if a soldier told you that, sir, what would be your response? Don't be a fool.
Sorry, sir.
The program scores you zero for that response.
The program says that you should establish trust d suspend moral judgment.
I can't believe we're wasting money on this kind of nonsense.
Well, sir, if it saves just one life, it's worth it.
Did you know that one of the leading causes of death in the military is suicide? Well, people are mixed up everywhere, Bud.
It's not just mixed-up people, sir.
You know When I lost my leg, there was a really rough stretch.
I felt like my life was over.
I just thank God that I didn't have a gun nearby, because Now I'm the happiest that I've ever been.
I, uh No, sir, nobody knew Except for Harriet.
Oh, uh, another great feature, sir, is that it helps to identify people that are at high risk for suicide.
So what would What would you tell Soldier Billy? Oh, they give you a couple of good options.
One of them is to, uh, express your concern or to offer help.
I could mention to him how it might affect his family.
Maybe I'll suggest to him that he has a hofudge sundae.
Always cheers me up.
My husband was a loyal and caring person.
How did he act when he came home on leave? Why should I have to answer that? Mrs.
Ross, you are required to respond to trial counsel's questions.
When Jim came home, we had a hard time.
In what way? He wasn't himself.
He got used to being this cocky carrier pilot.
He ordered me and the baby around like we were enlisted personnel.
How does that make you feel? How would you feel? The baby would cry.
I'd yell at Jim, and then he'd yell back, and then Please And then what, Mrs.
Ross? He got this crazy idea that I must be going out with someone else, an old boyfriend of mine, which is nuts, because I didn't even like him anymore.
I still loved my husband.
It must've been extremely difficult for your husband.
Did he ever talk about hurting himself? Objection.
Spousal privilege.
Given our need for the evidence, and the fact the spouse is deceased, I will overrule.
You must answer, Mrs.
Ross.
Your Honor this is too personal.
Arlene, with your help, we can get the Navy to take action so what happened to your family doesn't happen to any other family.
Objection.
Jim's death doesn't have to be in vain.
Your Honor, this is a criminal proceeding, not a crusade.
Colonel, stop editorializing.
Mrs.
Ross, please answer the question.
Did your husband talk about hurting himself? Jim called from Naples Right before he went back aboard.
He was talking crazy about how we were going to get divorced and he was never going to see his son again.
He said he didn't know if life was still worth living.
What did you tell him? I begged him to see a chaplain or somebody so Jim promised me that if he really felt bad and needed help, he would tell his C.
O.
, and that's exactly what he did.
He told Stanich, and the bastard sent him up in that plane to die.
Objection.
Sustained.
That'll be all, Your Honor.
Thank you for your courage, Mrs.
Ross.
Mrs.
Ross, you didn't know that your husband was going to kill himself, did you? No.
And you were certainly more intimate with him than Commander Stanich was, so how could he have known, if you didn't? He should've known enough not to send him up in that plane to die.
And you can object all you want.
It's the truth.
In retrospect, I wish I hadn't given my men two weeks leave.
Why is that, Commander? When they came back on board, they had a hard time readjusting to carrier operations.
Well, how did these difficulties manifest themselves? Morale problems, bickering, lack of focus So Lieutenant Ross was not the only pilot affected.
That's correct, Commander And a lot of the guys would let off steam by saying things that were a little off the wall.
What kind of things? One of my men joked about slugging the captain so he could get off the ship.
Another pilot made remarks about jumping in the ocean and swimming back to Naples.
You have to understand Carrier pilots risk their lives daily.
A little gallows humor keeps us sane.
And that's how you understood Lieutenant Rose's remarks.
I looked right in his eyes.
I thought he was fooling around like the rest of us.
Commander, if I had any idea Jim Ross was going to fly that plane into the ramp, I would have grounded him in a heartbeat.
Thank you, Commander.
Your witness.
Commander Stanich, what exactly did Lieutenant Ross say to you when you looked right in his eyes? Ma'am, I don't recall his precise words.
Lieutenant Rose's unsent E-mail.
Would you please read the first highlighted sentence? "I told Stanich I don't give a damn if I live or die.
" Is that an accurate rendering of what the lieutenant said to you? I thought he was blustering, Colonel.
It's a little hard to explain out of context.
It's hard to explain in any context.
Objection.
Badgering the witness.
Sustained.
Read the next sentence, please.
"He said he didn't give a damn, either, "and I should just suck it up and keep flying.
" Is that what you told him? Colonel, carrier pilots need to be mentally tough.
I train my men to ignore distractions so they can complete their missions.
"He said he didn't give a damn and I should just suck it up.
" I didn't tell him to crash into the ship.
But it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure your pilots are ready to fly.
Isn't that so, Commander? My squadron's performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom was outstanding, Colonel.
But you failed this time, didn't you, Commander? Mike? Mike, are you there? Mike, I know you're there.
Pick up.
For God sakes, how long is this act going to go on, Mikey? Uh, no, I'll, uh I'll talk to you later.
Bye-bye.
What is your opinion of Commander Stanich? He's a good man.
A little old-school.
He didn't get where he is by being negligent or by being a bad judge of character, did he? What are you getting at, sir? What if he was right about Ross? You mean Let's get moving, Bud.
Nice of you to make it.
Sorry we're late, Your Honor.
I was conducting a last-minute review of evidence.
May we approach the bench, sir? Granted.
Colonel? Sir, I would like to request a continuance at this time to reopen the investigation into the crash.
It's a little late for that, Counselor.
I am not completely convinced it was suicide, Your Honor.
Is there new evidence that trial counsel was not aware of? Some new, some old.
I believe we may have been a little hasty in our assumption.
If there is additional evidence, I I just received it.
I had subpoenaed Lieutenant Rose's financial records.
Two days before his death, he ordered a brand-new motorcycle on the Internet certainly not the kind of behavior you would expect from someone about to take their life.
Your Honor, I'm sure Lieutenant Ross had mood swings.
Your Honor, if Ross committed suicide out of anger toward his wife, why wouldn't he leave a note or forward the E-mail blaming his wife, causing her even more guilt? Maybe Ross didn't leave a note because he wanted his son to get insurance money.
There's another problem, sir.
Why did he crash into the ramp, endangering the crew? He had no beef against them.
Why wouldn't he just fly directly into the ocean? Commander, we've already discussed this.
You can't expect suicides to be rational.
Are you totally positive it was suicide, Colonel? You do raise some interesting questions, Counselor, however belatedly.
Your Honor, I think we owe it to Commander Stanich to answer those questions.
And we certainly owe it to Arlene Ross.
How much time do you need? A week.
I'll give you two days.
Sir, it'll take two days just to get out to the carrier and back.
Make it four.
This hearing is in recess until my call.
You're leaving again? I'm sorry, Mattie.
I didn't have time to come home to tell you.
Where are you going this time? We're going back to the Mediterranean, but only for four days.
Will you be back on Friday by 4:00? Why? I told you.
That's when you have the meeting with the Dragon Lady.
I'm going to try to make it.
That means no.
Mattie, I'm sorry, I have to do this.
A man's life is at stake.
He's looking at prison time.
Yeah, go ahead, knock yourself out.
Sir, Lieutenant Roberts and I were hoping to recreate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
So I'm requesting permission to do an automatic landing in an F-18.
Aren't you a 14 driver? Well, I'm qualified for another agency of the government.
Another, uh, "agency.
" I can get you official unofficial confirmation, sir.
I see.
Well, in that case, um, I think we can schedule you.
Thank you, CAG.
Sir, has the, uh, tech rep submitted his final report? Yeah.
Still no evidence of any mechanical problems.
What about the computer system, sir? Our computer tech evaluated the entire J-PALS system.
No bugs, no glitches.
But with the aircraft maintenance tape burned up, we have no way to know exactly how that system was programmed for that flight.
We'll need to talk to your computer tech, too, sir.
DAKE We ran exhaustive tests on every element of the shipboard system.
We also recovered key components of the 18's Flight Management System.
Everything checked out perfectly, sir.
If there was a programming glitch, would these radar scopes have indicated that? Yes, sir.
You sure? I examined everything, sir.
So did the two other Petty Officers who assist me.
Does your system record any alterations in programming? We're still working on that feature, sir.
Well, fortunately, we can confirm all that because we were able to recover the data from the aircraft's maintenance tape.
I thought it burned, sir.
Uh, only partially.
We took it to the Naval Research Lab and they were able to reconstitute the fragments the tape of the final 84 seconds of the flight.
Well, that's great news, sir.
Yeah, because I'll be flying an F-18 tonight at the exact automatic settings you programmed for Lieutenant Ross.
So that will prove that your settings are accurate, correct? Yes, sir.
And they had better be accurate or I'm a dead man.
Sir, if you give me the data, I'll take care of programming the system myself.
Well, that wouldn't be proper investigative protocol.
You could hang around and watch me trap though, if you'd like.
Thank you, sir.
Is there anything else, sir? No, that'll be all, First Class.
Yes, sir.
Just trying to back you up, sir.
You playing a hunch? Yeah, we had better let the ATC and the CAG know what we have in mind.
What do we have in mind, sir? We're putting your computer expertise to work, Lieutenant.
Roll, baby, roll.
Commander Rabb's a real cowboy, isn't he? He has a very active inner child, sir.
ACLS contact confirmed.
Sir, may I use the radio? Go ahead, sir.
Commander, we're ready for you.
You got it, Lieutenant.
Bennington, this is 210 Hornet.
Commencing approach, three point nine.
Roger, 210.
Radar contact.
Approach, I have the carrier in sight.
Requesting a Mode One landing.
Mode One approved, 210.
You're in the box.
Okay, I'm coupling up.
Three quarter mile, ball.
Roger.
Ball.
These numbers don't look right.
I think you guys programmed it wrong.
Don't worry, we programmed it just like you did.
No, send him around.
I'll double-check.
No, not necessary.
Radar shows him on the glide slope.
Continue inbound.
You don't understand.
What don't we understand, Petty Officer? My system looks good.
I'm staying coupled up.
You'll crash! Radar says he's fine.
Radar's wrong! That's why Ross crashed! Don't sweat it, Petty Officer.
I've been on manual the whole time.
Looking good, 210.
Bring it in! This was a trick.
You rigged it.
U left us no choice, Petty Officer.
We had a couple four-wires that night.
Planes were landing long.
So I tweaked the system.
But you overcorrected.
That's why Ross came in too low.
I wanted to say something, but Instead you let his widow believe that her husband had killed himself.
I know.
And you were willing to let Commander Stanich face prison.
I never thought it would really happen, sir.
I can deal with accidents, but you lied and covered up.
And for that, you're going to the brig.
How much time will I get, sir? If I have my way, years Let's go.
Sir, let me handle this.
Dakey, stop! Dakey, wait! You don't WA to go up there! There's nothing up there! Lieutenant, be careful! I got it! Dakey Don't come any closer, I'll jump! Stay, calm, okay? It's freezing down there.
Good, I'll die quick.
No, you won' It'll take hours.
And the whole time you'll be thinking, "What an awful mistake.
" I'm not going to let you trick me again.
No tricks.
Okay? No tricks.
Just take it easy.
I can't go to prison.
Hey, I'd be scared too, Joe, but you can get through this.
I just want it to be over! You can't do this to yourself, Joe.
Watch me.
Dakey, don't be a fool! You'll never see another sunrise, or see your family again! It's not worth it.
You stay back.
Just listen to me, okay? Let me help you.
Take my hand.
Come on, Joe.
I got you.
I accept the revised findings that Lieutenant Ross did not commit suicide.
However, that does not absolve Commander Stanich of his responsibilities as a leader.
Lieutenant Ross gave clear, incontrovertible evidence of suicidal ideation.
The commander needed to respond to that.
The Navy breeds physical and mental toughness, a quality that has helped to protect our country from foreign enemies for over 200 years.
But the Navy must also acknowledge that military men, however tough, are not magically immune from depression, emotional crises and mental instability.
The fact that the sailor responsible for the crash almost killed himself is proof of that.
When a man comes to his commanding officer and asks for help, help should be provided.
Commander Stanich, your behavior was indeed regrettable.
However, you acted out of an honest belief that you were making the right decisions for your men.
Your safety record prior to this incident was exemplary.
I have no doubt that you have learned from this tragedy, and would handle a similar situation differently in the future.
Therefore I see no reason to recommend this Article 32 to court martial.
This hearing is adjourned.
Congratulations, sir.
Thank you, Lieutenant.
Commander, thank you.
Congratulations.
Nice job, Mac.
You too, Harm.
Although, you know your client is still responsible for Lieutenant Ross' death.
You never give up, do you? Lieutenant Ross' death was caused by a computer that was incorrectly programmed.
And because he was depressed.
I am sure that slowed his reaction time when the plane started having problems.
See, you always want to make life simple, Harm, but it's not.
Mattie! Hey.
I hold my students to high standards, Mr.
Rabb.
I have no problem with that.
Well, Mattie has completed none other required first-semester writing assignments.
Ma'am I cannot give her a passing grade unless she makes up that work.
In the past four months, Mattie has written a business plan for a crop dusting company, letters to suppliers and credit agencies, the IRS, not to mention a 20-page letter to the judge at her juvenile-court hearing.
You're welcome to review all of them.
Well, I suppose this will do.
Thank you.