Navy Integrity vs. Tradition: Should Capt. Honors Have Been Fired Over Videos?

Let me begin by saying that this video may not have been a step that an officer should take, but in all fairness it is no different than various TV shows(i.e, Family Guy, The Boondocks, American Dad, etc...). If we as Americans can laugh at that type of ignorance, there is no difference in what Capt. Honors did. We can't get pass any ignorance if it is not opened for discussion vice argument. As a military member, we deal with these issues just like any other city that civilians live in. I think what everyone missed in this video was that fact that we are not so different as everyone not serving in the military and our bias and fears have to conquered in order to work together for the greater good. All please have a great day.

As a former navy public affairs officer aboard a carrier during the Cold War -- now a retired Navy Captain, we too had morale events while at sea. These were televised for those on duty (standing watch) who could not attend. Each were talent shows, with the sailors on the ship offering their signing and musical instrument or comedy skits -- all clean and in good fun. Our boss aboard the Forrestal was Captain "Swoose" (his aviator nickname) Snead, who was later promoted to Rear Admiral and put in charge of the F-14 program, and later -- as an aside, had to sneak out of Iran with the fall of the Shaw. He would participate in the talent shows on occasion by telling self deprecating (aviator or pilot) jokes.

Our morale shows offended no one, did not rely on foul language, suggestive sexual "movements" or nudity. Our boss, who practiced management by walking about daily -- was well respected and admired. In short, he was a leader -- and had to be because he too had to conduct nonjudicial punishment hearings and pronounce sentences, such as time in the brig, loss of pay, and referral to courts martial.

While there are many people, some even navy folks, who have "defended" Captain Honors, after I watched the edited videos posted on the Internet, I say that Captain Honor brings shame and dishonor on himself, the crew and ship he commanded, and the men and women of the navy and the Armed Services. What he did -- and the "morale" videos the crew produced were not morale boosters, but juvenile and demeaning -- far beyond their suggestive nature and foul language. Honors (I'm offended in calling him a Navy Captain). The CO who was aboard the Enterprise when Honors was XO also bears a significant responsibility for not taking actions to halt these these video and for evaluating his promoted to CO (which would put Honors in line for Admiral as well). There are others aboard the ship who also should be looked at for discipline -- such as the other senior officers and the legal staff, etc. Shame on anyone -- either aboard the Enterprise, within the Navy or elsewhere who approve of their actions -- I do not. I am sure there were junior officers or enlisted members who either tried to speak up or did not approve -- but the climate of the chain of command and power of COs and XOs, particularly at sea -- does not permit or even encourage "whistle blowing" -- when "good natured fun" (not) got out of hand during the 1991 Tailhook events.

EAVERY1230: A a retired Lieutenat Commander who served tweo tours aaboard Enterprise 1963to 1965 and 1967 to 1969. I can assure you morale on the ship was not improved by relieveing Captainb Honors. They have lost a Captain who they admired and knew the ship and them. To mollify those whose feelings may have been hurt, He could have been given a reprimand and sent on his deployment. My deepeest regrets.

It is too bad that many of our congressman senators and president have not served under conditions like that of the naval carriers. It is imperative to keep up moral. While it is true that some would find this offensive it is a release for others. Each must find his or her way to cope with the conditions they find themselves in. Condemnation is not the way to raise morale. Give them a break!

As per the "Navy's Core Value Charter", Mr. Owens violated the high standards required of an officer. A man who puts himself and his crew in the hands of God
everytime he leaves a shore line should be an example of trust and honor. He violated what America is founded under. He should be punished to the extent allowed by law (America's and God's)and not allowed to captian or be in any position of authority of another ship.
I'm sorry this will remain with him for the rest of his life but he made the choice.

That an able and outstanding officer was ejected over this trivial nonsense is appalling. Honors should be reinstated with a letter of apology from all the twits whose lives he's protecting.

Our military exists to defend our country. Period.

Get all but the committed warriors out of the military and make it off limits to the nannies of this world.

This more than bad jokes and rowdy behavior, this is setting an example of conduct for those who are under his command. This is not acceptable in a disciplined service.

He should be relieved of duty. IMO.

A lot of bad jokes and rowdy behavior? Who cares! Reprimand him, tell him not to do it again, and let him go back to keeping the country safe.

This is not a rowboat it is a nuclear powered aircraft carrier Navy vessel, 11th largest in its class. If there is a need for entertainment of this kind than it should be up to the people on board the ship in connection with a entertainment director but seeing the commander of this ship be the main actor or entertainer diminishes his position of captain of the vessel during war when sailors, pilots etc are depending on him for leadership.

Take a pll of persons on the Enterprise at the time; let the majority rule. No one ever said the warrior class was "civilized". Look at the Spartans!