Ya know, it's possible that some areas of the NCIS are run like the military. For instance, if you're not promoted, you're fired? What if moving Tony to the Ronald Reagan was the only way Vance could keep Tony employed? He had to know that Gibbs wouldn't rest until he had his team back together. Once Tony had a 'promotion' on his resume, he could be transferred back to DC at a later time and keep his job?