They Ripped Her Insignia Before 5,000 Sailors — Until a Phantom Sub Surfaced for Her Alone The ceremony was supposed to be a celebration. Five thousand sailors stood at attention on the docks of Pearl Island Naval Base, rows of pressed uniforms gleaming under the morning sun. The air buzzed with brass music, pride, and pageantry — until it didn’t. Lieutenant Commander Aria Sloan walked across the platform, her white uniform crisp, her salute perfect. She’d earned her place here — or so she thoug