Absolutely correct, altura.
Once again, Free Republic has come out with fresh news information (that you caught and reported on FreeRepublic.com on 4-22-04). However, it has taken the MainStreamMedia 4 months before a reporter actually asked the Secretary of the Navy about this.
Why sure, there may be some fluff, there may be some silliness on FR, but wouldn't some reporters be wise to at least consider this website a news source?