Gary,
You are correct about the number of sea commands for Captains. Carriers and Cruisers rate a full Captain at the helm. If you're not an Aviator then you won't get a Carrier. It just so happens his boss
is a Naval Aviator. It appears his promotion will be in-place. I'm still not 100% sure of the real operation of his group but his boss said the marriage of his fleet experience and that of his shore duties makes it a perfect fit for him to do the job he is doing now. Apparently several Admirals had to sign off on his promotion so, yes, someone up there likes him.
From what I've been able to find out on the Internet, his group is shaping the future of Naval advancements for enlisted personnel. I thought he said it was supporting various systems throughout the Navy but everything I've read leans towards training sailors for future roles in the Navy.
Pat brought up a good point tonight. When his ship left the United Arab Emirates in 2007 he had only enlisted personnel on the bridge. They got the ship underway which may have been the first time this was done. If not it was the second.
I think this has something to do with the mission of his current assignment for increasing the responsibilites and skills of enlisted personnel.
Pat did talk with a civilian employee of his new group who stated, very seriously, that Jim would be an Admiral in two years. Obviously he has nothing to do with any advancement of our son but it was quite interesting to hear. We'll see what happens. I'm ready for another trip north! ;D ;D