There's nothing wrong with a show of confidence if you're leading men into battle. As a matter of fact, having a confident leader is much better than having someone who broods and seems equivocal and uncertain about every decision.
JFK was Commander of the 80' (Mfg. by Elco) Patrol Torpedo Boat 109 and its twelve-fourteen man crew in the Pacific. The boat was powered by three Packard V12 engines (1200 hp each) for a top speed of 35-40 knots. They were armed with two to four Mark 8 torpedos.
The Elco PTs were constructed of two layers of one inch thick diagonally placed mahogany planks which made them easier to repair if damaged...and if they were able to make it back to base.
The PTs were nicknamed "plywood coffins." I'm guessing the brass probably wanted Commanders with a "little swagger" to helm these boats.
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