Think about this a different way...
If you were the squadron commander, and you had an airplane with bent metal that was *entirely* preventable...
What would YOU do?
Personally, yes, I can see the pilot taking the ding, too.
I have been grounded by my SQ/CC during combat operatons for things my wingman did. Why? Because I, as the flight lead, was responsible for the safe conduct of the mission, period.
So, on a crew airplane like the C-17, I can completely see where the SQ/CC gets to dinging both the loadmaster and the guy ultimately responsible, the aircraft commander.