 As commanding officer , McCain relied upon a relatively unorthodox leadership style based upon the force of his personality . He removed personnel he thought ineffective , and sought to improve morale and productivity by establishing an informal rapport with enlisted men . Dealing with limited post @-@ Vietnam defense budgets and parts shortages , he was forceful in demanding that respect be given the female officers just beginning to arrive into the unit . McCain 's leadership abilities were credited with improving the unit 's aircraft readiness ; for the first time , all fifty of its aircraft were able to fly . Although some operational metrics declined during the period , the pilot safety improved to the point of having zero accidents . The squadron was awarded its first @-@ ever Meritorious Unit Commendation , while McCain received a Meritorious Service Medal . McCain later stated that being commanding officer of VA @-@ 174 was the most rewarding assignment of his naval career . When his stint ended in July 1977 , the change of command ceremony was attended by his father and the rest of his family , as well as some of his fellow POWs ; speaker Admiral Isaac C. Kidd , Jr. said that John had joined Jack and Slew McCain in a place of honor in Navy tradition , a tribute that deeply moved McCain . 
