The whistle-blowers behind the bombshell PrimeTime allegations over the US Naval Air Station yesterday stressed they were not calling for the base's closure.

And they claimed they had approached the media after military top brass turned a deaf ear to their accusations.

Senior Chief Petty Officer George Randall Taylor told The Royal Gazette he was afraid Thursday night's programme gave the impression he wanted the station shut down.

"That is not the case. We are not advocating closure,'' he said.

Chief Taylor also moved to clear up another possible misconception following the programme.

"Our problem is not with the Bermudian people. We just want the Base to put its house in order. It should clean up its act.'' He added, however, they considered Mr. Sam Donaldson's expose on alleged abuse of time and money by military VIPs at the Base was generally fair and accurate.

Chief Taylor, with 15 years experience in military service, had served at the Base for seven months.

He said he had voiced his complaints about alleged misconduct to senior navy personnel, and Congress representatives.

"No action was taken, so I turned to the media. It was really a last resort.'' Chief Taylor's accusations also included claims of sexual assaults, one a rape.

The allegations were not included in the PrimeTime report -- but Chief Taylor believes this was because Mr. Donaldson did not have time to cover everything.

Chief Taylor was later fired from his post as Chief of Military Police at the base for alleged insubordination. He was also recommended for psychiatric examination -- although he was given a clean bill of health.

"I think this was just an attempt to discredit me. I can assure you I am totally sane,'' he said.

Petty Officer Coggins has also been relieved of his duties as a criminal investigator.

Both men are protesting their dismissals through the Government Accountability Project.

This is a public interest law firm dedicated to representing and protecting whistle-blowers.

Chief Taylor, who is still with the Navy, said he understood the possible repercussions for his career over the allegations.

"I understand that, but I believe you have to take a stand. I am a grown man, and I know what I was taking on. I accept that, but I believe right always wins out.'' Chief Taylor said he intended returning to the base in "the near future.'' He is prepared, however, for a frosty reception from some Base personnel.

"Since the PrimeTime programme there have been some indications that some people are not too pleased about what was said.'' Chief Taylor said he believed he had supporters at the Base, although they were keeping a low profile.

As to the future of the Base, Chief Taylor was reluctant to spell out how he wanted his allegations dealt with, and whether any heads should roll.

"It's not up to me. I want to see the Base properly administered, and to save taxpayers.

"The bottom line is a lot of money was being wasted which be spent on feeding the homeless.'' Chief Taylor also refused to be drawn on what post-Cold War role he considered the base should play.

Chief Taylor added he and Petty Officer Coggins were working with Congresswoman Pat Schroeder to ensure their allegations were properly investigated.