My dad has some hilarious stories about drinking and driving, getting caught by the police, and then let off with nothing more then a disapproving shake of the head. His stories do nothing to change the fact that the world has moved on and I can't get away with behavior like that anymore.I would argue is that the image you are referring to has changed as a function of that PC "conspiracy".
Case in point, Anchors Aweigh talks about drinking "to the foam". Now we have "Right Spirit".
I also remember the stories my grandfather, who was on the Maryland during Pearl Harbor, talking about going overseas and the shenanigans they pulled with the women in port. He was an enlisted gunner but the officers on the boat were right there. Now we have incidents like this getting blown to bits.
What I'm saying is that this image you are referring to has in fact changed due to the uber-PC nature of society. Saying it hasn't is ignoring the reality of what has happened.
I think all issues like this have more to do with "going against the family" then they do morality. Big Navy may like to take what they consider the high ground for the Navy's purposes to include public image of the service. Big Navy is going to protect Big Navy first. Your personal beliefs may say its ok for you to use peyote, fuck hookers, go to clan meetings, beat your wife, drink and drive, or engage in consensual S&M sex. Just don't be surprised when these become public knowledge and the Navy doesn't condone your behavior and instead publically flogs you.