His physical size, those lungs of brass, that no shit attitude. All backed with the power of Parliament and the absolute authority it conferred. And I think the wooden leg makes him even more formidable.

Are you sure that there aren't a couple piece of fic in you? Because it sure does sound like there are. :> :> :>

And yeah. If I'm remembering correctly, none of the other commanders in that squadron has that much experience -- Nonsuch is the only ship of the line out there. Everything else is relatively small and adapted to coastal work, shore bombardment, etc. Bush has age and experience on all of them.