In her defense, that cat IS rather adorable. It would take one to make her smile properly for the camera.
But really, one thing to take that photo. It's another to frame it and hang it in such a prominent place in your office for all the ship girls to see... and THEN call in that destroyer squadron.
First panel: Akebono smiling as the cat mews in confusion. Note the lack of signature in the lower right.
Second and third panels - the actual photo Aoba took from hiding or with a zoom lens, ergo the changed perspective (and different cat position).
These are so good. I appreciated the redrawing of the same image each time, and the changed perspective for Aoba's snooping versus the omniscient-perspective panel.
Tripple bonus points the admiral is setting a way for the girls to have a 2-DAY VACATION so they can take pictures of smiles again!! you are one magnificent bastard, you have my utmost gratitude.
And then, after that, you girls will get a 2-day vacation. Once the escort target has arrived at the destination, let the local resident ship-girls takeover and complete the mission. This mission's details is to escort and clear the route for a merchant ship.