In this case, yes. If in fact the mount was not charted, then the NAVY was negligent in not providing up to date maps. How many other un-charted mounts are there? Or NEW ones ala the tsumani earthquakes?...
Negligent is too strong a word. To really accurately map the sea floor you need to physically sail over the entire surface with a survey ship. I believe we have 7-8 of those and they're never going to map the entire surface of the seafloor in the entire world.
The commander is always responsible whether on air or ground. If GI Joe loses his rifle, it's his commander whose career is ruined.
Even worse in the navy. Those ships cost far more than M16's.
Besides, there's something about luck, divine providence, something esoteric that follows those who make it to the top. Is that caused by effort, attention to detail, good fortune.....who cares? It follows these leaders and doesn't follow these.
Fair or not, in a world of otherwise perfect people you decide based on any discriminator that you can.
It's those tiny, unglamorous details like maps, o-rings, and insulation foam that don't get funded but prove disastrous.
The Navy isn't in the chart business, DMA is.
I am sure with the amount of volcanic activity around there are several uncharted mounds. Unfortunately, he couldn't use active sonar if on an operation.