Fitzgerald CO’s Attorneys Claim The Navy Is Trying To Smear Him In Negligent Homicide Case

Man, I'm torn to shreds over this whole deal.

On the one hand, every officer who has ever put to sea understands that while "RHIP"..."RHIR" is also a solid truth. Ultimately, the Skipper is in command, and it's all on him-has been forever.

On the other-It's not like ship's wardrooms and chiefs' messes have the same "tools" at their disposal today, or that the consequences are exactly in keeping with the changing realities of our profession.

In my opinion, you can't strip down a force to its minimums, ask it to do above the maximum, all while formulating protocol and policy to "fit" the demands of a disconnected public...and get good results.

Keeping in mind I have no clue how the Navy works, Leadership has its responsibilities and duties, as the CO you are responsible for the good and bad. If his sailors failed to do their jobs who fault is it really? He obviously felt that his sailors were good enough that he could go to bed so I have doubts as to why he wasn't called. It's not like it was a stealth Cargo ship that they hit. But then again what the hell do I know I am just a worn out old grunt.

I always thought the ship's skipper understood that he was responsible for every action aboard his ship. Being off the bridge doesn't relieve a commander of their responsibilities. He's the man in charge, he sets the watch, he has his officers. He liked the benefits of command, not sure he's keen on the burdens.