"Contend, do what you will."

I have to be honest, as a submariner, I'm less than thrilled that we're commissioning a boat named after President Jimmy Carter. Oh, I don't think we should do anything silly like sending out a petition of protest or anything. And I understand the politics that we're probably involved: namely, the Elephants got the carrier named after Ronaldus Magnus, and the Donkeys got a sub--which is admittedly more appropriate than a carrier given Carter's brief Navy stint-- for Jimmah. But that doesn't mean that I have to like it; I don't care if the boat is the best damn thing we've ever built: I'm ashamed of it. Perhaps that's silly, but I find it deeply ironic that we name a warship after a man who, particularly since leaving office, has sided with the worst political enemies of the life and vitality of our fleet.

UPDATE (2/16/05, 2:09pm): Both The Corner and "The Castle" are having a field day at the expense of Jimmah's peanut-powered "attack" sub. (note: at NRO, follow the link then start scrolling up! hilarious stuff.)

And while I'm probably ticking-off other submariners, let me get something off my chest about the results of Captain Mooney's Admiral's Mast. I do sympathize deeply with him. Still, as I read around on various submariner message boards, I'm not persuaded that he was scapegoated. Could he have been? Absolutely, and I don't deny that the Navy has it's politics. And let me say that I am open to being persuaded that he has been wrongly blamed, especially when I read the passion in the words of the father of Petty Officer Joseph Ashley. Keep in mind, I only did five years as a JO, so my experience of how the Navy "really" works is very limited. Also, by sharing my thoughts, I am not trying to put-down those who have expressed opinions that may seem to contradict my own (though if you read closely, you'll notice that I am actually abstaining from an opinion without knowing further details). What the hell do I know?

I find that I simply must absent myself from a final judgment of CDR Mooney one way or the other. As you know, I'm suspicious of romantic conspiracy theories about "the Brass" and guys at the top, but I understand that we're Americans, so it is somehow natural for us to choose the underdog and question those in authority. But, look it, before this investigation we all agreed that it would be precipitous and arrogant to assume wrongdoing on the part of the Captain or crew without having all the facts. So why can't we extend the same open-mindedness to the head of the investigation, Vice Adm. Greenert, Commander of the 7th Fleet? That's all I'm asking. Do I have all the facts that led him to assign NJP to CDR Mooney for his supposedly negligent navigational and voyage planning standards? I do not. And when I read sentences such as this--

The news stunned several Navy sources who have been following the accident investigation, particularly because Mooney's actions after the accident were characterized as heroic by everyone familiar with the situation.

--then I have to conclude that we don't know the whole story. So I won't go along with speculation one way or the other until I know more. I certainly am not trying to accuse CDR Mooney of wrecklessly endangering the lives of his men. To the contrary, I once again salute him and his crew for their heroic--and seemingly superhuman--bravery and skill in saving their ship and bringing her home.

Now I don't think, however, that by withholding judgment about the punishment administered in this case that I also must refrain from agreeing with some of the helpful thoughts, reflections, and suggestions sub vets have offered. I'm talking specifically about the issue of the Quartermaster rating; I agree it definitely should be revisited. But I cannot go so far as those who would propose that the lack of QM's somehow wholly absconds CDR Mooney from responsibility.

It seems, therefore, that I will take away four important things from the USS San Francisco grounding: (1.) greater respect and admiration for the men who go down to the sea in ships, particularly those of the Silent Service as well as the men & women who design these engineering wonders (2.) utter shame and embarrassment for all those moments that I thought drills and training were a waste of time (3.) a firm belief that the Navy needs to re-examine the elimination of the Quartermaster specialty rating--we spare no expense so that our nuclear reactors, our Trident weapons systems, and the men who operate them are all top-notch. Also, we brief all crews about the paramount importance of safety of ship (far above even the accomplishment of our most vital peacetime National Security missions) . So why not invest whatever is needed to guarantee safer navigation such as the creation & maintenance of specialists whose job it is to attend to this full-time? [Along with this goes the assumption that such specialists be given the material support--charts, etc.--necessary to do their job.] (4.) grief and sadness for a lost shipmate whom I never met and continued prayers for men like him and the families that so selflessly sacrifice for our country.

UPDATE (2/17/05, 12:12pm): Bubblehead comes to the defense of the USS Jimmah...better him than me. LOL.