Now came the harder questions. Hammond plowed ahead. “Senator, the Navy’s role is just like that of all the other services, really. We are serving as our nation and the elected leaders need us. For us, it can’t be any other way. We really depend on you to do your jobs so that we don’t have to do ours. Only when politics and diplomacy fail, are we are called to step in. Sometimes it is just for a show of force, sometimes we must fight. But throughout history wars have started because the politics of the situation have failed in some way. You, as our elected officials select the course our nation must go. Our diplomats follow that lead and try to integrate our ideas with those of other countries to come to mutual agreements. When that happens, we aren’t needed except to show the flag and act as a kind of goodwill ambassador. I did a lot of that in our cruise after the war. But with a dictator, who refuses to come to a mutual agreement, or has other more sinister desires, the politics fail and we are called upon to bring back some sort of stability so that the political process will work again. It’s been true of every conflict we have been in. So our job is to be ready. We must use the tools at our disposal to get the job done in a satisfactory manner. It is our hope that that time never comes.”
“My job is to follow the orders of the Commander and Chief. To do that becomes a little more intricate the higher in rank you get. At this level, I need to be a part of that political process, informing you, our elected officials on what I can, working with you as needed to make sure we remain ready and leading our men and women in a way which keeps them safe and secure while getting the job done. It gets difficult at times, but the safety of our people is a priority for me, as I am sure it is a priority for you.”
Raymond smiled at Hammond, “Thank you, Admiral. Senator Clark.”
Senator Clark was from Philadelphia and was in the minority party. He was more known for his scowl. “Admiral, I have several questions. First of all, can you tell me the role you played in the forced retirement of Vice Admiral Granger?”
The silence in the room was deafening. Hammond got a questioning look on his face. “My role, Senator?”
“Yes, I understand you were there in the room the day it happened and that it was the start of your meteoric rise to power.”
“I believe you have been misinformed, Senator. I had nothing to do with his retirement.”
“Well, it is my understanding that the president accosted him over the phone that day while you were there,” Clark said accusingly.
Hammond took a breath. “Senator, Admiral Granger was a respected senior flag officer in the United States Navy. I have no idea why he retired and it was not mentioned during that meeting. I also refuse to drag that officer’s name through the mud on something that clearly is between him and our leadership. I say again, I had nothing to do with his retirement and it was not mentioned during the meeting. As a matter of fact, I have not seen Admiral Granger since that very day.”
“So you had nothing to do with him being drummed out of the service.”
“Senator, I don’t know how he left the service. As far as I know, he retired, and retired with full pay and benefits.”
“That’s not the information I received. Going on, you said you always kept the safety of your people a priority, yet, you placed your ship between deadly cruise missiles and the carrier. It seems you may not really have their best interests in mind,” the Senator said snidely.
Hammond was starting to become angry, but he couldn’t show it. Either this guy was a bully or he was playing some dirty politics. Either way, Hammond didn’t like it. “Senator, we were in a war. The North Koreans had fired missiles at one of our carriers with over 6,000 people aboard. My ship had only 1,500 people aboard and is one of the most heavily armored vessels ever constructed. As a matter of fact, that armor is over seventeen inches thick in some places. When I ordered my ship into harm’s way I also ordered everyone in the ship to get inside the armored belt if possible. Yes, the ship was hit three times, but we did not lose one single life to those missiles. More importantly, we saved the lives of the 6,000 sailors and Marines on that carrier. My ship could take it, while that one couldn’t. I made the decision and I stand by it. If I had commanded a destroyer, a ship very lightly protected, I would have done the same thing to protect that carrier. It is something that has to be done.”
“So you would sacrifice your crew,” Clark insisted.
Now Hammond raised his voice slightly. “Yes, Senator. I would sacrifice the few to protect the many, and a ship of much lesser value than one of the most valuable assets we have.”
“Mister Chairman, if I may, I was a naval officer, and in my service that is exactly what must be done. If someone has been in the military at all, they might understand this. It is a shame that some of our distinguished colleagues have missed out on this opportunity,” said Senator Kelso, a junior senator from Ohio. “I can assure my distinguished colleague that this has been a part of our military doctrine from its very beginning, and it is a sign of the dedication to our ultimate victory in war many of our best officers emulate,” he continued. He made his remarks while looking at Hammond and not at his ‘distinguished colleague.’
Raymond nodded. “I thank the Senator from Ohio. This act was judged several years ago as reaching the zenith of the dedication and heroism our fighting sailors demonstrate. We cannot debate this topic during these proceedings. I hope my colleague agrees,” he said eyeing Clark critically.
Clark had just been told he was an idiot without saying the words. He quickly backpedaled. “Of course, Mister Chairman, I am simply bringing out that very point, that he made the hard decision, despite the sacrifice it might have incurred. I have one further question.”
“Proceed.”
“Admiral Hammond, what is your relationship with the President of the United States?”
Hammond could tell this was something Clark might use against his friend. He plunged right in. “Senator, Steve O’Bannon is one of my best friends. I didn’t know him at all before that first visit to the White House, but working with him and getting to know him over the years has been one of the highlights of my life. The best part is that I know he didn’t do anything to help me in my career. I owe him no favors, and he doesn’t owe any to me. We have a genuine friendship, and that friendship will last long after he has left office. I found that when you get to know the man personally, he is a good, decent man, who tries not to place his burdens on others. There’s one other thing about Steve O’Bannon. He is one of the best natural leaders I have met. And I’m not saying that because of our friendship. I got to see the man work, up close. He listens to all sides and then invites others to join him. Some of you on this committee may have had the opportunity to see it. Some may say it’s politics, but I have seen him in other situations act the same way. As a military man, I would gladly follow him.” Hammond paused for a second, then continued, “Please excuse me if in this case I am a little more enthusiastic, but I feel that’s what having a true friend is all about.”
The room was silent. Then someone started clapping. Others joined in. After several bangs of the gavel, Raymond restored order. “I must admonish the attendees that we cannot have such outbreaks during these proceedings, no matter how much we may agree with the speaker,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “If that is all, I now turn to Senator Collingwood.”
The hearing lasted over four hours. The rest of the senators were polite in their questions and with few exceptions, didn’t try to corner Hammond in any issue. After closing the hearing, Hammond went to the front of the chamber and thanked Raymond.