Elessar. Matter of fact, yes I have. I even stood 8 hours as OOD underway to get my Surface Warfare Qualifications. They were 8 of the scariest hours I will never forget. Being responsible for over 300 other in the crew, and about 500 Marines who were also aboard for the float/cruise.
I tend to agree about the homicide charges; yet the Navy and the JAG follow different rules for Commanding Officers in the Navy, for obvious reasons.
I do believe the entire group of Bridge Watch standers on both ships should also be held accountable for the deaths of their shipmates. BUT....as I have said before. The C.O. is the ultimate man/woman in charge of a ship. C.O.'s are as powerful as the President.
Look at it this way. NUKE SUBS, and their C.O.'s have the power to institute the orders of the President in every case. If they fail to follow orders...they are relieved of duty FORTHWITH.
By the way. Had anything happened to the ship while I was OOD. Both I, and the Captain would have lost everything.