*promote

Self promoting this video and sending it back into the queue for one more try; last queued Monday, January 3rd, 2011 5:37pm PST - promote requested by original submitter deathcow.

Captain Honors today..... Dag is next, where will the witch hunt end?

I was all ready to come in here expecting to go off on a "He's making these lewd videos on the tax-payer dime" type rant. But now having seen the video in its full context (although it is partly a compilation of highlights), I'm issuing a full pardon... on provision.

Provision 1: That his 'gay' insults come from a non-homophobic mindset; that he actually ribs all of his crew inclusively. From some of the short clips, he appears to put himself in some self-affacing sexual positions which could suggest he's just having fun with the subject. Defendant should expand his vocabulary for ragging on 'bleeding-heart liberals'.

Provision 2: That none of the crew who appeared in the shower scenes or other uncomfortable positions (e.g. drinking out of the toilet) were forced to do so.

The Press going on about all the foul language have:
a) taken it out of context; the XO was acknowledging that the crew found 'fuck' very humourous in previous on-board performances of comedians. This was a fan service, if you will.
b) have no idea about how people in the military speak; yes, they swear a lot. Get over it.


tl;dr Not as bad as they say, Press needs to get back to other important stories.

For the most part, I agree @BoneyD. I wouldn't have been personally offended had I been on that ship but I do have some misgivings.

Members of the military tend to have a pretty crude, dark, and mean/offensive - from a civilian point of view - sense of humor. The flip side is that most of them have pretty thick skin as well and aren't offended as easily. I've heard my share of jokes that I wont tell to most civilians.

His 'gay' insults I found to be the worst part but it's hardly surprising considering he is part of an organization that until very very recently considered homosexuality worse than friendly fire.

That said, my disagreement stems from his position and how he responded to criticism. As a high-ranking officer in command (or soon to be in command) of a large number of men and women it is his job to ensure a high level of morale, to ensure his people feel safe in their place of duty and to ensure those below him feel confident with him in the lead. I could see how these videos would undermine all three, even before he refused to stop after there were complaints.

My initial response when hearing about the videos was of how his actions reflected on the Navy itself. The following is a quote from Canadian naval officer Lt(N) P. Richard Moller from his paper entitled "Bureaucracy Versus Ethics" which, I think, addresses that issue well (even if from a Canadian standpoint):

"We must, at all times, remember that while we are wearing this uniform we represent the government and the people of Canada, as well as the element whose uniform we wear. Whatever we do reflects, for better or for worse, on ourselves, our element, and on the people of Canada. We have been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the honour of our uniform, and all that it represents. The whole world will judge this uniform and Canada on our conduct while wearing it.
We must, therefore, comport ourselves on all occasions, and in all circumstances in such a manner as to reflect credit upon our element, our government, and our country. Our every act must encourage all people to have confidence in this uniform, and what it represents."


While the videos weren't personally offensive, I think they reflected badly on the US Navy and that is why such a big issue is being made of them.

I think the real problem here was his rank -- second in command on a military vessel? Conduct unbecoming to an officer is the real offense, it seems to me. As Skeeve is saying.

Apparently he is a good officer. The folks under his command are coming forward in support of him.

What is really sad is that he stopped doing these videos four years ago and they are only now coming out to the general public. It's not our business at this point. I'll be interested to hear why they are "leaked" now -- or if this is just a case of internet-forwarding.

I enjoyed the cameo though. Didn't see that coming!

The thumbnail image for this video has been updated - thumbnail added by vaporlock.

People are offended by this? Seriously? Really? It's called "having fun". People should just pull the huge sticks out of their asses...

Oh no! They said "fuck"! My sensibilities!

*controversial

Just silly. The phrase "talk like a sailor" came about for good reasons. He seems like a fun guy to work for.

I hope whoever is responsible for this gets punched in the face for ruining a good man's career.

I find it highly ironic that we pay these guys to kill people, but get upset that they use strong language to stave off boredom.

As an Army veteran, I can tell you this shit is minor compared to the shit we used to say and do to each other in the Infantry.

Pass out first, you get a nice Polaroid with about 10 penises on your forehead waiting for you when you wake up. Used condom tied around the handle to your door? Check. Forget bringing a girlfriend or any female around for that matter. They would be harassed and offended a dozen times within 30 seconds. Porn everywhere.

I can see the argument that this guy is a captain in the Navy and should set an example for the other sailors, but he is just a human being like the rest of them, making the best out of a boring, stressful, and depressing situation. Spend a year in the desert with a bunch of guys that are away from home, girlfriends, wives, kids and life and you'll be so fucking homesick and depressed you won't be able to stand it. This Captain gets it and is trying to have some fun and do his part to make these men and women forget that they are thousands of miles away from home and laugh a little bit.