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December 2, 2009

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A tamer Tailhook held at Sparks Nugget

Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997 | 9:22 a.m.

But it's not the same rowdy group of Navy aviators that made national news in 1991 for indiscretions with female guests at the Las Vegas Hilton, Nugget officials said.

"It's changed quite a bit from the days that they had their problems down in Las Vegas," said Michonne Ascuaga, Nugget senior vice president.

She said the group, which is using about 300 hotel rooms, seems to be comprised more of retirees than active-duty personnel.

"We have never had a problem whatsoever with them," she said, adding the convention runs through Sunday.

About 5,000 people attended the infamous 1991 gathering marred by a gauntlet of drunken aviators who pawed women in a Hilton hallway.

A Defense Department probe of the convention led to the resignation of the secretary of Navy.

Former Navy Lt. Paula Coughlin, who was among about 80 women grabbed, was awarded more than $5 million after suing the Hilton for its lack of protection.

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