Very well said, Marlowe. Fighting your battles in the press results in no one winning.
The Navy Secretary did not go to the press. He addressed the crew of the ship. Members of the crew went to the press. The speech was not meant to go public. It was expected to be confined to the crew members and the crew members needed to hear it.
The captain was relieved for just cause, and yes, he was stupid to go to the press with his complaints.