His claims, featured on TV's PrimeTime Live, helped seal the fate of the Base.

They also led Navy prosecutors to charge him with 48 military misconduct offences, he says.

The sailor, Master-at-Arms Senior Chief George Taylor, has now won a reprieve in his legal battle with the military.

After his claims of victimisation, top brass have decided to withdraw the charges and get the case reviewed by an "independent'' investigator.

The investigator will decide whether the charges should stand, or whether some or all should be dropped for good.

In December, 1992, Senior Chief Taylor was featured on ABC's PrimeTime Live.

He alleged the Base was used by US politicians and top brass as a holiday resort.

He claimed the Base was "out of control'' when he arrived in May, 1992 as head of security.

"It had no military mission,'' he said. "We were basically running the Airport for the Bermuda Government.'' After he reported his views to the military inspector general, Base officials allegedly confined Senior Chief Taylor to quarters, stripped him of his duties and ordered him to undergo mental tests. Three psychiatrists reported him fit, he says.

Following the PrimeTime allegations, Congress over-ruled the Pentagon and voted to close the Base in 1995.

Senior Chief Taylor was transferred to a naval construction centre at Port Hueneme, California, in January, 1993. He says he was "closely watched'' when he arrived in his new post of deputy director of public safety.

He claims he was told by the centre's legal chief, Lt. Cmdr. Derek Cole: "This isn't Bermuda, and you aren't going to get away with that sh** here.'' He ended up facing a list of charges relating to his arrest of a suspected deserter and drug-dealer last November.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, he and three other officers were accused of unauthorised off-base surveillance and apprehension, excessive force and carrying firearms off-base.

He faced a court-martial and possible penalties including discharge or loss of pay.

The Navy insists the charges had "absolutely nothing'' to do with events in Bermuda.

But Port Hueneme commander Rear Admiral David Nash announced on Saturday: "Allegations have recently been made that question the motivation for prosecution.

"Due to these allegations it is my decision that a transfer to a convening authority outside of my command is necessary to remove any perception of bias.'' After the charges were withdrawn, Senior Chief Taylor said he did not regret his actions in Bermuda. "My daddy always told me that you may get your hands spanked for doing what's right, but that you should always go with your heart.'' Yesterday a PrimeTime spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette the show was planning a follow-up on Senior Officer Taylor this week or next.

She said the charges were "suddenly'' withdrawn after PrimeTime journalist Mr. Sam Donaldson began an investigation at Port Hueneme.