“how many of the crew are still still readily available”
550 have tested positive out of 3,500 tests given. They still have almost 1,500 to test.
But only about 100 are actually down sick and would not be able to man their station.
As for today’s Navy...I believe the Chief’s mess is still keeping them tight and ready. That’s where all the traditions and discipline is passed between generations and generations, going back to the Great British Navy. Centuries.
Not even Obama and Pelosi could kill that.
And I pity the poor bastards that will be burned or eaten by sharks when they think it’s time to take a shot.
They will live a short but exciting life once they decide to take on the US Navy at sea.
Yes, the CPO's used to actually make a ship run. However, if the Master Chief of the command is aligned with the politics of the Captain and E.O., then you get the same outcome.
BTW, do you know where to find the final conclusions of the Fergueson and McCain collisions with those freighters in the Straits? The initial reports suggested poor training, defective equipment, and a pissing contest between the female OOD and a female Officer in Charge of CIC. I read that both Captains were fired and a low-level Admiral was relieved. I gave up on trying to find the Navy's investigation determinations because it depressed me too much.