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“When [the officer] did not hear the helmsman’s repeat-back, [DeFant] smacked [the officer] on her collar bone and said ‘Pay attention.'” The officer said the smack did not hurt but “freaked her out” and she momentarily considered leaving her post by turning the conn over to DeFant. Several crew on the bridge confirmed the incident to investigators.

The Captain should not have to lay hands on the crew to command their respect. That said, this officer who was 'smacked' on her collar bone in a way that 'didn't hurt' but left her so upset she wanted to flee from her position is a bit disturbing when you think this is someone we expect to be cool under fire in a conflict.

I've worked on USN and international naval shipbuilding programs off and on for the past 30 years and know a lot of naval officers from flag level down, men and women, but I never served and never went to sea so I'll accept if someone who has tells me I'm off base. But that's how it seems to me.