Complaint Review: United States Navy USS CARL VINSON - FPO-AP Other

United States Navy, speciffically the chain of command on board the USS CARL VINSON, costs local Business Man of the Year over $100,000!!

It pains me greatly to write this report but as you can imagine I am up agains a Behometh. It is comprable to David vs. Goliath.

Back in March of 2003 I had the opportuntiy to sell some Laptop computers to service members serving on board the USS CARL VINSON, an aircraft carrier, currently docked in Bremerton, Washigton. I was hesitant in doing this and against my better judgement I sold the computers. I had resevations due to the logistical problems of getting these computers shipped at a reasonable cost half way around the world and the number of individuals that were showing intrest in buying them.

Granted it was a great deal. I had purchased some laptops to replace my old ones at my company. In order to get a good price I had to agree to buy in lots of 10. As such I had some extras and decided to sell them. During the course of events, the manufacture stopped building the models that I was selling and I had to find a new vendor.

I was informed that a number of individuials were complaining about the delays. Remeber the delays were caused by the manufacture not making that model anymore. I IMMEDIATLY offered to refund their money. However, the legal officer on bord the USS CARL VINSON, a Lt.Cmdr Oniel refused to give me the names of the individuals that were complaining. (against the law)

Furthermore, Prior to my receiving all monies for the laptops, I was informed by the Legal Officer, Lt. Cmdr Oniel, that I had only 7 days to deliver the laptops! It was logistically impossible to do that. (against the law)

I was then told that I HAD TO REFUND THE MONEY. I said that this would be difficult if not impossible due to the computers already being in transit from the vendor I had purchased them from.

I offered to have all the computers available for delivery on the pier in Bremerton when they returned from their deployment. The Legal officer, having no authority, having not discussed this option with the service members, and of his own volition stated that this was not good enough and to refund the money.(against the law)

I said OK and offered to begin initiating refunds. I was told that this was unacceptable and that the Legal Officer wanted a check, for over $100,000, delivered to him and that they, the chain of command, would administer the refunds. THIS IS ILLEGAL!!!! The Legal Officer was not thier duly appointed attourney, and furthermore I had nothing in writing from the service members directing me to give him the money.(against the law)

All this was being communicated to me through a Chief Petty Officer who was my point of contact.

At NO time during the course of this affair did the chain of command ever contact me directly! They told everyone that I was a scam artist and that I was going to steal their money and that no one should have any business dealings with me. I have lost more than just money I have lost my reputation due to their illegal interference!!!!

They are now Court Martialing the Chief who was just trying to help me, and have still not responded to a Congressional Inquirey that I initiated back on January 7, 2004.

I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO, and I can not afford an attorney due to the overwhelming losses I have incured because of this nightmare!

ALL I CAN SAY: If you are dealing with someone in the military you had better make sure that you know who you are dealing with!

Rene

Silverdale, Washington
U.S.A.