Unfortunately, the Navy doesn’t give commanders quality people. They give them AA hires who have more liberal training than technical training.
A Letter of Reprimand? I think I got one of those for failing a room inspection.
The Captain is responsible for the training of his crew and for their performance of duty. Whatever shortcomings may have been present from Big Navy, the Fleet, etc. the Captain remains on the blame line. When a ship is underway and comes in contact with the bottom, the shore, or other ships, the Captain is going to be held accountable. Persons not willing to take on this responsibility should go into politics.
An 18 year old navigating????!
So an 18 year old was at the Helm... WHO was the Officer of the Deck (OOD) giving the young person orders????
I don’t think bringing the helmsman into this serves any useful purpose. He doesn’t maneuver on his own authority and has no real idea of what the proximity of the various contacts is - that’s the OOD’s job. He steers when and where he’s told, and not otherwise.
I though I learned that the helmsman just took steering direction from the OOD and navigation team downstairs.
What? Have their misconduct rewarded with a huge retirement package and lifetime benefits? Forfeit one month's pay?
Hells bells, a guy called Afredo Sanchez could easily be an AA hire.
Should have said he was just being a “Maverick” after the ship’s namesake....