THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, January 10, 1995              TAG: 9501100004
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   29 lines

FOR PRISON SHIPS

Having listened conscientiously to the pros and cons of a proposed maximum-security prison on the Eastern Shore, I suggest the state and federal governments seriously consider the refitting of our moth-balled aircraft carriers to serve as floating prisons.

Large aircraft carriers are equipped to house a compliment of approximately 5,000 Navy personnel. (If they are good enough to house service personnel, they are certainly adequate for convicted felons.)

Aircraft carriers are equipped with self-sustaining sewage-treatment facilities, as well as distilleries for manufacturing freshwater and power. The feeding, housing, exercise and recreation facilities are already in place.

Perhaps my alternative proposal has already been debated. However, if it has, I would hope it might be reconsidered.

JACK M. PENDELL

Melfa, Dec. 27, 1994 by CNB