His naivety and narrow outlook is astounding for someone who reached the rank of Commander.
....and thereby, perhaps, is the clue. Was he prevented from going higher, where arguably he could have attempted to cause more sh*t-stirring? Or did he see the writing on the wall and leave? Either way, rather than reflecting on a worthy career and enjoying his retirement, he chooses to grind his axe ad infinitum... If he carries on, he'll end up as an incoherent, mumbling OAP sat in a corner and avoided by most people. Sad in a way, but it's his choice...