Sailors explain why they smoked spice

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - In interview transcripts obtained by 10 On Your Side, 16 sailors described how their military careers went up in smoke.

"Working ridiculous hours everyday all day in the yards, so I gave in on my urge to try spice," said one sailor.

The sailors admitted they smoked spice on board the USS Bataan four to five times a week. They were let go from the Navy last month.

The sailors said they smoked in the compressor room, assault shop, captain's boat, and nearly a dozen other locations.

Several of the USS Bataan sailors caught smoking spice were already on restriction.

They described a spice ring on board the ship.

"We started asking around and it turns out there were a handful of people that not only smoke, but know of more stores, know how to buy in bulk, and sell on and off board the ship regularly," said one sailor.

One sailor said he kept spice in his sock. Another said other sailors would sell spice on the ship, charging extra for gas money.

The sailors admitted they knew smoking spice was against navy restrictions, but did it anyway.

"Even though it was only for a short time, and I'm not exactly proud of how it ended, I am very proud to say I served," said one sailor.