Fourteen sailors from the nuclear reactor department of the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan face disciplinary action in connection to LSD abuse, Navy officials confirmed this week.
Two sailors are already heading to court-martial for using, possessing and distributing the hallucinogenic drug, while three are waiting to see whether they will be charged as well, according to 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Joe Keiley.
Another 10 sailors with the Japan-based ship were administratively disciplined on LSD-related charges, Keiley said.
A 15th sailor was also disciplined, but that person was not assigned to the carrier’s reactor department.
Keiley said the 14 reactor sailors charged or facing potential charges came from a department with more than 400 personnel.
Accused sailors were removed from all duties pending the findings of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service probe, he said in an email.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Ronald Reagan leadership reviewed the work previously performed by the accused sailors and no improper work was identified,” Keiley said in an email to Navy Times.
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Keiley declined to detail the ranks, ratings or charges that the administratively disciplined personnel faced but said “propulsion plant operations and maintenance are supervised by senior personnel.”
“Due to the defense in depth of the design and operation of the propulsion plants, the reactors aboard (the Reagan) remain safe,” he said.
Two sailors are awaiting court-martial in connection to allegations they used and distributed LSD.
Machinist’s Mate Nuclear 2nd Class Andrew W. Miller faces charges for using, possessing and trafficking the drug from January to February of this year, according to charge sheets.
Electrician’s Mate Nuclear 2nd Class Sean M. Gevero is also charged with distributing LSD and possessing nandrolone decanoate, an anabolic steroid, charge sheets state.
Lawyers for the two have not responded to requests for comment.
The Navy continues to weigh charges against at least three other Reagan sailors for allegedly using and possessing illegal drugs, Keiley said.
News of the alleged drug ring broke in February when the Wall Street Journal reported that an investigation was underway regarding drug selling and use among the crew of America’s only aircraft carrier to be stationed outside the United States.
Keiley said Japanese authorities also have closed their investigation into whether the American sailors were selling or getting their LSD from local citizens.
Geoff is the managing editor of Military Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.
