When the Navy charged the commanders of two guided-missile destroyers involved in a pair fatal 2017 collisions with merchant ships, its intent is to hold leaders accountable, but history shows securing a conviction is hardly a sure thing.

When the Navy charged the commanders of two guided-missile destroyers involved in a pair fatal 2017 collisions with merchant ships, its intent is to hold leaders accountable, but history shows securing a conviction is hardly a sure thing.