I served on board the USS Roosevelt during a time when we had a different standard in the United States Navy.  We were trained to never leave our post.  We were trained to never back down.   We were proud of the oath we took.  We knew what we signed up for.

The decision by Capt. Brett Crozier, commander of the USS Roosevelt, to abandon his post has had direct and severe impact on our nations readiness to defend global freedom, the paradigm of sailors view of their oath as well the respect and dignity of our Mighty Nation.  

Immediately during his decision China took control of disputed gas fields in the South China Seas knowing that our once great Navy could do nothing to even project power.

Alerting the Pentagon was not the problem.  The problem is the way he alerted the pentagon.  Instead of taking proactive measurements to quarantine on station, obtain (CASREP) emergency supplies and medical personnel as well completing hot swaps of the infected, the commander chose to weaken our nation and put our safety at risk in bypassing the chain of command and not controlling the situation.

Not only does he need to be punished but we must let the rest of the sailors that cheered him know; they should reconsider their oath to their nation.  Men die outside of war so that we do not need to fight war.  If you are fearful of your oath and you do not understand it then you should not be in the military.

On a combined TWO citizen cruise ships 150 people were infected with 6 deaths.  Those were elderly out of shape citizens; certainly our troops are better prepared.  While serving on the USS Saratoga prior to the Roosevelt we saw many people die on board.  We never abandoned our post.