And NO-we are not going down that rathole again.
However, the former SECNAV did point out that while the Navy's material problems can be overcome-destroying a hard won culture, has a more lasting impact:
CDR Jonathan Jackson was relieved of command in December for violating the Navy’s sexual harassment policies and for conduct unbecoming. But having read through the Navy IG Report and the commander’s NJP appeal (both pdf files found at the U/T link above), I find that the one is damning and the other exculpatory. We apparently have a department head who bore a two-year grudge, and a struggling junior officer who either was deliberately insulted, or she was not. And a CO who maybe spent a little to much time celebrating with Bacchus, leaving himself open to charges that he spoke thoughtlessly and acted imperfectly, while letting off steam.
A couple of additional points: 1)Admin's are kind of a logistical necessity in places like, Haifa, Dubai, Athens ( where the ship pulls into an entirely different city-Pireaus), and several French ports. They serve as safe havens for your accumulated loot-and back in the day were places where a lot of learning took place in the company of dear Bacchus while stories from cruises past were passed down.
Of course in those days, what went on cruise stayed on cruise. And any women you brought back to the admin became fair game-if not community property. Nowadays they end up on someone's Facebook page.
Doesn't anybody get put in hack any more? More pertinently -where was his XO and when did the "lets close the door and talk a bit" conversation happen that might have saved his ass? My XO and I had a few (and I emphasize the word few) –in both directions. Sometimes he brought me back to the ground and sometimes I did to him. He's a great man-and a great leader. We each took care of each other.
Furthermore-its clear that when you read both documents linked to by the article-there was rush to judgement by the IG. Unless you think giving a guy a charge sheet two hours before mast is somehow OK. Plus a few other things-like a disgruntled JO with a score to settle. I thought advancement by assassination only happed in the alternate universe. Something is aromatic in Denmark.
And now ask yourself why the Chiefs don't go on liberty with their junior Sailors. Don't think this doesn't send a chilling message to them-go drink alone.
And not one word about how he did in the aircraft. Nuff said.