Once you hit 18 years you have hit sanctuary and are allowed to retire.
I am in a reserve unit and have had 3 reservist hit 18 years of active duty. Two of the 3 told their branch, and were given orders to report to an active duty post for their last 2 years. The 3rd rode it out in our unit and then called his branch and told them he was ready to retire.
Back in the 90s, soldiers got out with 14-16 years. Easy to get four in the last 8 years. Mobilize to go to Kosovo for a year. Mobilize to do a year in Iraq. Since my reserve unit trains reservists and National Guard units, we have had lots of soldiers mobilized. Could easily have been mobilized for the last 2 years.
Here is what I would recommend to the XO. Join a reserve unit and volunteer to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Could be active for 12-16 months depending on the training required. While in country, volunteer again for another year, hit 18 and he is golden. Of course the navy would give him a crappy job his last 2 years but he would get his pension.
Don't think that is gonna happen. Don't think the Nav wants any officer with a high profile reprimand in his jacket hanging around in ANY capacity. A real Jonah and a morale problem.My guess is they both get separated as soon as possible. Not like the Navy is hurting for submarine officers. They may line up a job with a contractor for the XO to hasten his departure.