Probably a stretch, but I wonder if this is connected to the Fat Leonard Navy scandal in some manner. Once the passenger list is mad public, instant connections can be made.
Surprising good backstory and persons involved in that scandal here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Leonard_scandal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/leaks-feasts-and-sex-parties-how-fat-leonard-infiltrated-the-navys-floating-headquarters-in-asia/2018/01/23/4d31555c-efdd-11e7-97bf-bba379b809ab_story.html