They release the records to the requestor, in this case the Boston Globe. In any case, the Navy doesn't have all the records. I don't remember the Agency name exactly but its like, "The Bureau of Naval Records." This would be the agency that would have all of the old records.
Not according to John O'Neill. He said that a form 180 - releases the documents TO THE PUBLIC. Meaning anyone can make a request for access. O'Neill tried to get access - no deal.
Kerry GAVE SOME DOCUMENTS TO THE BOSTON BULB - the Boston Bulb did not request the documents.
I heard O'Neill tell this info on the radio.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1421687/posts
Here's a good article about the Kerry 180