Not necessarily. Many of these folks had to meet during training at either Treasure Island (San Francisco) or amphibious training at Coronado (San Diego).
Based on personal experience, the officers don't train with the enlisted. Fraternization is not permitted. You don't hang out with one another. As an exception, I went through survival school (SERE training) with PBR crews prior to my assignment to Vietnam. We had 72 personnel (6 officers and 66 enlisted), but it was not a bonding situation. I can understand how Kerry could meet Barker and Droz who were officers.
“I want, I need, to get out and tell what he won’t tell people, as to his unbelievable courage,” Short said. “No one wants someone thumping his chest saying, ’I’m a hero.’ And it will be a cold day in Hades when John Kerry does that.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5538024/
I will defer to you personal knowledge and experience. Thanks for clarifying.