Citizen Inspections: BATH IRON WORKS

Two days after the Bangor inspection, in Maine, the scheduled February 28 launch of the USS O'Kane from Bath IronWorks (BIW) in Bath, Maine was quietly postponed, reportedly because scheduled speakers could not attend due to involvement with possible acts of war against Iraq. (see related story, page ZZ)   Instead, nearly 100 people vigiled at the gates, then commissioned 12 members of a Citizens' Weapons Inspection Team. They undertook to investigate public reports, verified in three previous nonviolent direct actions, that Bath Iron Works is building and maintaining Aegis naval destroyers designed to continue fighting during a prolonged nuclear, chemical, or biological war, and to carry nuclear-capable Tomahawk cruise missiles.  Police arrested the twelve for trespass as they attempted to carry out their duty.

Two of the twelve were not charged because they were minors.  All were quickly released, and joined about 40 supporters who had marched six miles from BIW to also vigila t the Brunswick, Maine, Naval Air Station.

In court for arraignment March 18, District Judge Joseph Field was no longer moved." The novelty's kind of worn off,'' he told the defendants.  "I am seeing enough of you so that I don't want to see any more of you back.''  He warned that punishments may increase if arrests continue.  Five pled no contest and were sentenced to 25 hours community service.  The other five pled not guilty and were ordered to stand trial April 30.

For more information contact  Sean Donahue, New Hampshire Peace Action, POB 771, Concord, NH 03302, e-mail:  nhpeaceact@igc.org

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last updated July 10 1998