I’m absolutely intrigued with the part about McCain leaving his ship with Apple and going to Saigon.
Who approved the leave, or pass, or whatever it was? I would think anyone aboard who had anything to do with the incident wouldn’t be allowed to wander off to wherever with whoever before being debriefed.
Back during my USAF service in the early 70s, they knew where I was most all the time, When I went on leave, they knew where I was and how to get in touch.
I’ll bet there’s paperwork somewhere on this trip to Saigon.
Here’s the NY Times interview with McCain from Saigon. Bernard Weinraub was the reporter.