In RL I manage 120 people, so keep that in mind when reading on...
I take crew management quite seriously. When I play SH3 I have a printed crew list beside me (from SH3Cmdr). I notate any impressive achievements which occur on patrol. I also notate whether an achievement is worthy of a medal recommendation. I know my crew and take an interest in them all, even learning their nuances. For instance, I find Klaus, who is meant to be on watch, quite often spending his time down by the engines. Just like my 6 month old daughter, he likes to get into everything...
I've never "fired" any of my crew, although I have released officers from time to time to allow them to go on to better things. I have turnover through transfers and bloody bar fights (can I say "bloody"? That word seems to have upset a few countries recently
). In fact, whilst inconvenient, I take great pride when one of my officers is transferred out to take control of their own boat - it reflects upon me as their mentor and leader.
Get a life, I hear you say? Perhaps, but for me identifying with my crew simply adds to the immersion and enjoyment. I wish my RL staff were as easy and fun to manage though...LOL!