Even an Admiral standing on
the same bridge usually doesn't meddle with a Captain doing his job.
To do so is an admission the wrong man has the job. Not done very
often, even in combat. After all, the Capt knows the men receiving the
orders.

Casady

Do you remember the Mayaguez?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayag%C3%BCez_incident

There was some of the finest presidential meddling in that incident. First
real time video ever used to further the micromanagement.

It's political gain first, lives take a third row seat always.