The U.S. Navy has relieved Commander Cameron Yaste of his duties aboard the USS John McCain, citing a "loss of confidence in his ability to command." This decision comes months after a social media controversy involving a photograph of Yaste firing a rifle with its scope mounted backward.
In April 2024, the Navy's official Instagram account posted an image of Yaste aiming a rifle during a practice shoot. Eagle-eyed social media users quickly pointed out that the rifle's scope was mounted backward, leading to widespread mockery online. The Navy subsequently deleted the post and acknowledged the error, stating they would conduct "extra military instruction" to address the mistake.
The incident gained further attention when the U.S. Marines shared a similar photo on their X (formerly Twitter) account, showing a Marine firing a properly configured rifle with the pointed caption, "clear sight picture."
Capt. Allison Christy, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has temporarily assumed command of the USS John McCain. The destroyer is currently deployed in the Middle East, part of a larger U.S. naval presence in the region amid ongoing tensions.
The Navy's website notes that Yaste, a Knoxville, Tennessee native, has received several commendations throughout his career, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.
Fox News reported that as of today, the Navy had not provided additional comments on the situation.
