Some subtle differences of light blue/dark blue culture here. The "naval officer first, aviator second" has its costs. In my encounters with the FAA in the Med in the '50s and at CFS, I met many admirable officers but none that I would describe as an outstanding pilot. On the other hand the outstanding pilots I have flown with (an Israeli and an American) were not obviously officers. The finest RAF pilot I flew with was a Polish Master Pilot.
At the RAF Selection Board at Ramridge House in 1949 I was asked the usual question about becoming a Nav or non-GD officer and gave a firm NO. Now if they had told me that I was too much of an oik or couldn't eat my peas correctly, but they would recommend me for NCO pilot, I would have had a real problem. Because a jet fighter pilot was what I wanted to be.