In 2008 we interviewed Rich Olson the Elizabeth City Manager about the alleged bar Wings at DRS Technologies in Elizabeth City. In hindsight we should have interviewed the Pasquotank County Manager, be we were unfamiliar with the County’s joint oversight of the Airport.

In April 2008, Olson  told us he knew of the bar Wings, and been at events where alcohol was served at  the facility.  Olson did not know of any sales at the location, but said he had been contacted by Coast Guard leadership (at the base) about Wings.  When asked if he had participated in Airport Authority meetings that included visits to Wings, Olson responded “I believe so.”

Olson told us that  the City has no direct control over the Airport, or the property it leases to DRS.  The Airport Authority is the agency responsible for this matter, said Olson.  Again, had we understood  the set up in 2008 with regards to span of control, we wouldn’t have gone to Mr. Olson at all for this interview.  Two years later his interview is very much relevant because it stands in stark contrast with published reports in the Daily Advance last week.

There are many questions left to be asked of CG-4, NC ALE, the Airport Authority and DRS Technologies in New Jersey.

We’ll try to connect those dots for you in Part 2.  DRS  Corporate  and Mr. Scott Hinton have been contacted for comment on Part 2 of this report.