Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Resignation of H. Lawrence Garrett III as Secretary of the Navy

President Bush accepts the resignation of Secretary of the Navy, H. Lawrence Garrett III. Secretary Garrett today submitted his letter of resignation to the President, accepting full responsibility for the Tailhook incident involving naval aviators.

President Bush today received a briefing by Secretary Cheney on the status of the Department of Defense investigations into the Tailhook incident. The Inspector General of the Navy has investigated the matter. A second investigation by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense was ordered last week.

The President seeks a full, thorough, and expedited investigation that will result in actions to ensure the highest standards of equality and conduct among all members of the Navy. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.