Based on the evidence to date he did indeed step outside of the chain of command. He also made the job of the Chicoms and Russians that much easier by revealing how easy it is to put an American aircraft carrier out of commission. He potentially put not only the entire fleet at risk but our national security.
If what I have read is correct, several sailors were ill but none were sick enough to require hospitalization.
In other words, he panicked.
If that is true.....
Who needs a hysterical commander in battle?
Now that said, there are many who faced extreme danger and showed heroism but later in civilian life showed no guts.
The elephant terrified by the mouse comes to mind.
So the navy brass might very well have made a mistake in not giving him a second chance...maybe in a lesser role.
Maybe a tour in Afghanistan or Iraq carrying a rifle.
Or a Coast Guard boarding party.