I’ve never seen or heard anything like it....is this common practice in the Navy?
The right way, the wrong way, the Navy way.
It's the "new" Navy way.
Now hear this. All cabin boys report to the poop deck.
There is also a tradition of sending letters like that "for" people to certain schools. It is common for one's peers to write a letter in first person to the staff at Top Gun, extolling his prowess, intention to skip most of the lectures (because he's already an expert), but willingness to square away the staff while he holds court at the O'club.
I don't know about the letter being standard practice, but I'm quite certain being an illiterate dolt, as this Lieutenant is, is not standard practice among Naval officers.
I am a long retired CPO with a son on active duty, a SWO LT.
Today’s Navy has ten times as many Chiefs, E7-E8-E9, as it needs and it seems none of them are leaders. This has to be corrected. In addiction, a good 40% of commissioned officers should be removed from active duty. Some of them via Leavenworth!
When I was active duty not all Ensigns made LTJG and not all LTJGs made LT. At 03 is where the first big blood letting should take place with at least 25% being asked to discontinue their Navel service. Half of the 05s should never make 06. Ross Peroue (sp) never made LTJG. My son is telling me that once you put your hand in the air for the oath, you are still above room temp and there is indication you are still alive, you will be promoted. This apparently continues all the way to 07. From the number of COs being releaved every year, it is clear that the Navy is failing to promote only those qualified for promotion.
I want my Navy to be a meritocracy, not the mess it has apparently become.