I read the original news story on the incident, seems two hot shot AF pilots tried to "show them sailors how it's done" pulled a nose dive at the deck of a carrier. The Navy Pilot (our young then Lt.) asked for advice from the carier (his controller) and was told weapons red and free on your contact. (Weapons are free to use at your command). He asked if they wanted him to shoot and was told "Yes SHOOT". Well here we have an officer who blindly followed the orders of those around him, did not make a decision for himself, unlike the Captain rail-roaded out by an Anonymous complainer last month because he tried to lighten up a harsh period or the one who the NNSY civilians didn't like. Rear admiral, heck this guy should be made CNO!

to say the least. If he should be disqualified from promotion to admiral, based on a past incident, why was he ever promoted to Captain? Or Commander? Or was not trumped out of the service to begin with? The investigative boards that research and review such incidents have some say so as to what should or should not be done as far as punishment goes, if fault is found. Any info on THEIR determinations at the time of their review of this incident? Again, this was 25 years ago, and he's still in the service, and has obviously made promotion several times to be considered for stars now. Am I missing something here? Please fill me in on what that might be!

Wasn't it John McCain who trashed TWO planes while he was a Fly Boy?

25 years ago if everything was as cut and dried as some here want to make it he should had been discharged. Evidently someone saw promise in this young Officer. Evidently he has been a good enough Officer to continue getting promotions. Maybe in todays Navy with the way they "throw away" good seasoned Officers for politically incorrect reasons he couldn't shoot down an American plane in training without being discharged for this serious mistake. Evidently someone realized that this man might not be Pilot material but he was a good investment to keep on board. If it's to the point that he has earned this promotion I say he deserves the promotion. I am not about to try to second guess his superiors that see things diffrent then some here do.

in the first place, it Not even a common sense comparison, pretty much as already indicated in another response. This Navy Captain WAS given a second chance, to remain on active duty and switch career paths; and he obviously did well, promoting up the ranks to Captain . Impressive. hmmm, kinda sorta maybe like getting a limited use driver's license vs losing it for life, dontcha think?

When this Captain got his 'break' it was in a different time; senior officers are now being passed over for promotion for less reason due to the narrow margin(s) separating them from their peers. Should he be given a 'L@@k' for promotion with his peers? I say Yes. Should he be selected for promotion to Rear Admiral? In my opinion, No.

I can't believe he's still in the service. He should've been discharged if for nothing else but "stupidity". & I know there has to be many qualified personnel w/out contraversy hanging over them like a cloud. Let a ship capt. just run aground or have a small collision & they're out. & this man actually shot down a plane during a training exercise, really? It was TRAINING!! This is a no brainer, no promotion to admiral.

In response to nick1968, I would gladly trade my driver’s license for a promotion to Admiral. I believe they have a driver at their disposal at most commands. I’m sure my wife would be happy to shoulder the burden of driving me for that kind of money.