San Luis Obispo is a controlled field, so I have to assume he was cleared in by at least tower. I don't know all of the details, but it appears this aviator did not use the standard "if I do this, will I make national news?" train of thought. It sounds like a pretty cool pass, but it did catch the attention of several folks. Cool or not, if the average joe civilian feels like he/she is in danger, or his/her property is in danger, or he/she thinks the aircraft is in extremis, the are going to call the news, aiport, faa, etc. Next thing LT war hero knows is that he is talking to the CO/XO/CAG/TYCOM/NCIS, etc. Here are some tidbits from the OPNAV 3710.7T. This guys might have a hard time refuting the second paragraph.
"3.3.1 Naval Aircraft Participation. Participation
of naval aircraft, other than the scheduled appearance
of the flight demonstration squadron, in any
airborne display is not encouraged and should only be
approved in the most exceptional and carefully considered
situations (e.g., occasional flights at unique
aviation related events and station open houses"
"5.1.3 Unusual Maneuvers Within Class B, C, or
D Airspace. Pilots shall not perform or request
clearance to perform unusual maneuvers within class B,
C, or D airspace if such maneuvers are not essential to
the performance of the flight. ATC personnel are not
permitted to approve a pilot’s request or ask a pilot to
perform such maneuvers. Unusual maneuvers include
unnecessary low passes, unscheduled fly-bys, climbs at
very steep angles, practice approaches to altitudes
below specific minimums (unless a landing is to be
made), or any so-called flat hatting wherein a flight is
conducted at a low altitude and/or a high rate of speed
for thrill purposes."