If NK launched a missile, USA would still have 90% of the arsenal. They could relatively quickly replace the entire ship crew with new sailors, and be fully operational.
By not replacing the sick sailors they wouldn't be of much use.
LOL, thank god you're not in charge of military strategy.
It's great that you care enough about military lives to say, we can just replace them with more sailors if they get blown to bits by our screw up. No point is crying over spilled milk, right. Or oops, we missed that nuke launched out by Rocket Man; we were sick, sorry. We'll do better next time though, trust us.
That fleet acted as a deterrent, and regardless if they were compromised or not with an illness, so long as the enemy does not know it, they are just as effective as a deterrent. Sure, if engaged, they may be less prepared to respond, but if the enemy does not know their status, they are still as effective to deter them from engaging. That's the point.
But if the enemy knows they are compromised, their power to deter them from attacking drops. It is amazing you cant understand this simple concept of military strategy. This was the mistake that captain made and he deserved to be removed for it.
Plus, nearly all on board has a near 100% chance of survival due to their age and health. (You're not excepted into the military old and/or unhealthy with pre-existing conditions.) Also, there is a on ship hospital and triage. He had no reason to do what he did.
Last, and something that Modly pointed out, was that he panicked in his response. If he panics under these conditions where very few of his crew was at danger of dying, you have to expect his response under fire would be worse and less collective. That also disqualifies him for command.
