The thing that is actually most damaging about this incident is the Jengiss was in tactical command of the 5 boats. He abondonded his role and his men. His obligation was to the greater good of the flotilla.
Just occurred to me that this incident was Kerry's last patrol. Perhaps his running away anger his peers enough to toss him out. He weakened the flotilla by taking 1/4 of it's firepower when he ran away.