 The Captain had passed his examination for rear admiral, but had been let go nonetheless, as he had not spent at least half of his time as captain at sea.His case drew national attention after he saved "Louisiana" from flooding following a valve blowout in the ship's starboard engine room that left a hole in the ship's hull.He consulted his lawyers about the possibility of reinstatement, and a group of sailors protested the forced retirement through demonstrations and letter-writing, and a Senator even introduced a bill in Congress to reinstate him with the rank of Rear Admiral.