The commander of a Navy destroyer, Cameron Yaste, has been removed from duty following a widely circulated and criticized photo from four months ago. The viral image sparked controversy when it showed Yaste, the commanding officer of the USS John McCain, mistakenly firing a rifle with a scope mounted backward. This incident drew sharp criticism and ridicule on social media.
Official Navy Response
The US Navy issued a statement explaining that Yaste was relieved of his duties due to “a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer.” However, the statement did not provide additional details regarding the specific reasons for his dismissal. The USS John McCain, currently stationed in the Gulf of Oman, is assisting in the protection of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Viral Incident Details
The photo that triggered this controversy was posted online in April, showing Yaste in a firing position, mistakenly holding a rifle with the scope installed incorrectly. The Marine Corps reportedly mocked the Navy by sharing the image on social media, further amplifying its reach before it was deleted. By then, the photo had gone viral, prompting widespread online attention and criticism.
In response, the Navy acknowledged the mistake on social media, stating, “Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post,” and confirmed that the image was taken down until “extra military instruction (EMI) is completed.”
New Commanding Officer
Captain Allison Christy, who serves as deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has temporarily taken over Yaste’s position. Destroyer Squadron 21, part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, is also stationed in the Gulf of Oman.
Middle East Deployment
According to military officials, US carriers have been deployed in the Middle East to be prepared in case Israel requires assistance to counter any potential threats from Iran or other nations.