The Book
I was a naval officer, undergoing Helo Control Officer training, in Norfolk, when the bodies were brought back. I witnessed the Navy slander an innocent man to cover up their own shortcomings. It was one of several events that led me to resign my commission after completing my service commitment, rather than seek a career. After leaving the Navy, I became a manager for a large bookselling chain, where I cam across the original book, upon which the film is based.
The film followed a 60 Minutes piece, which confirmed much of what I saw and heard in the Navy. To wit, the equipment was antiquated and poorly maintained (mostly due to the unavailability of repair parts) and the accused sailor was not found anywhere near the gun breach, but at his normal station. It also revealed how the naval investigation was used to essentially cover up the errors of the peole who should have prevented the accident from ever occurring. To start with, the gunpowder used was produced back in the 40s; but had been certified for use by the Navy Gunfire command. That same command provided the 'experts" who investigated the stability of the gunpowder, ignoring that the powder had been stored on barges, without climate controls, during a summer shipyard period in Virginia (despite requirements to the contrary). It also ignored unauthorized powder charge experiments conducted by a warrant officer, who was not a qualified gunner. Those experiments resulted in damage to the breach of a gun on at least one occasion. Instead, the Navy concocted a story and stuck to it.
The gun captain, and ensign and son of a naval captain, refused to toe the line with the story. for his trouble, he was exiled to Alaska, until his father raised such a stink that his son was reassigned back in the Continental US. The officer ended up resigning his commission, ending a promising career. An innocent sailor was branded a "suicidal homosexual," despite no evidence to support the claims, including an alleged ignition device. A second sailor (who was no angel; but was innocent of the claims made against him)was slandered by association. This is what was supposed to represent "Honor, duty, and country."
If you've seen the film or are curious about the events, I highly recommend the book.
Fortunately, Ah keep mah feathers numbered for just such an emergency!