Ensign cites harassment in call sign choice

[unhappycamper]

Ensign Steve Crowston, a limited duty officer with Strike Fighter Squadron 136, filed a complaint with the naval inspector general, saying the call sign his squadron chose for him amounted to “workplace harassment.” Many call signs are tasteful, left, and are used in correspondence.


Ensign cites harassment in call sign choice
By Andrew Tilghman - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 9, 2010 6:19:12 EDT

Ensign Steve Crowston thought getting his own call sign from his squadron mates would be a friendly induction into the tightly knit and testosterone-fueled culture of naval aviation.

But when the new admin officer walked into the ready room for Strike Fighter Squadron 136 in Virginia last year, he claims he found dozens of aviators — including the squadron’s commanding officer — openly mocking him as an alleged homosexual.

“Fagmeister” was one of the proposed call signs scrawled in the white erase board, he said.

“Gay boy” was another.

The squadron ultimately chose “Romo’s Bitch” — an apparent reference to his love for the Dallas Cowboys and their quarterback, Tony Romo.

[CBGLuthier]

1. Don't these asshats have college degrees?

I guess they don't teach much about the world in college any more.

[Ian David]

2. Someone needs to get fired, and Crowston should get to be Iceman or Maverick now. n/t

[PanoramaIsland]

3. I think "Your Excellency" might be appropriate...

[One_Life_To_Give]

4. Open hostility is bigger concern.

That such terms could be put up so blatantly speaks to much bigger concerns for the Ens. safety. To me it starts above the Squadron Commanders level and carries on down with conduct unbecoming. Did we learn nothing from Tailhook?