IT IS TOTALLY REDICULOUS TO PENALIZE THE MONTAUK COMMANDING OFFICER FOR TAKING HIS WORK SERIOUSLY. AS A SEAMAN IN MONTAUK, I CAN ATTEST, THE CONDITIONS THE CREW WERE PRACTICING IN ARE NOT AT ALL UNUSUAL IN MONTAUK. IF THE EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER, A REASONABLE PERSON WOULD ASSUME PRACTICE AND DRILLS WOULD BE A NECESSITY TO PERFORM EFFICIENTLY AT A TIME OF EMERGENCY. WHEN LIFE IS AT RISK, PRACTICE AND DRILLS ARE AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY LONG BEFORE SERVICES ARE NEEDED. CAPT. JAMES KANE, MONTAUK NY