Ok...heres a good question. Where did the term mustang come from?
From navymustangs.com:
The term "Mustang" is a relatively modern term, originating either just prior to, or during World War II. It is believed to be a Sea Service term, although other service officers are beginging to be described as Mustangs.
It literally refers to the mustang horse, which is a wild animal and therefore not a thoroughbred. A mustang, after being captured, can be tamed and saddle broken but it always has a bit of wild streak, and can periodically revert to its old ways unexpectedly and therefore the owner needs to keep an eye on it at all times.
By the same token, however, since a mustang was formerly a wild and free animal, it may very well be smarter, more capable and have a better survival instinct than thoroughbreds. The mustang can take care of itself when things get tough, thriving on rough treatment, while the thoroughbred, having been pampered its whole life, cannot.
You can easily see the parallel between horses and Naval Officers. The term "Mustang" is used in a complimentary sense most of the time.
Another accounting for the term "Mustang" is derived from the US Naval Academy where the term "Mustang" was initially used by USNA grads as an insult to the "lower class" of prior enlisted officers. They considered themselves as thoroughbreds and, meaning to insult, called our honored predecessors, "Mustangs" because we were less than pure. Like "Yankee" the slur stuck and soon became a badge of honor.
An LDO or CWO is an officer by appearance and in the minds of the "top brass," and an enlisted technician at heart. The creed of the LDO/CWO, upon receiving their commission is: "I did it the hard way... I earned it."