Navy destroyer commander relieved after backward rifle scope incident

The commander of the USS John McCain, Cameron Yaste, was relieved of his duties after a photo surfaced showing him firing a rifle with its scope mounted backward. This incident occurred approximately four months prior to his removal, during a time when the destroyer was deployed in the Gulf of Oman, assisting in the protection of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The image, which was shared on the Navy's social media, led to significant ridicule and criticism online, prompting the Navy to delete the post and acknowledge the error publicly. The backlash included a mocking response from the Marine Corps, which shared a contrasting image of a Marine firing a weapon correctly aboard the USS Boxer, captioned “Clear Sight Picture.” This incident not only affected Yaste's reputation but also raised concerns about the Navy's operational standards and the training of its personnel. The Navy's decision to relieve Yaste was officially attributed to a loss of confidence in his command abilities. In the wake of this incident, Capt. Allison Christy has been appointed as the temporary replacement for Yaste. She is currently serving as the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, which is part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group also stationed in the Gulf of Oman. The presence of these naval forces in the region is part of a broader strategy to deter potential threats from Iran and other adversaries. This situation highlights the importance of leadership and professionalism within the Navy, especially in high-stakes environments. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny military personnel face in the public eye and the potential consequences of lapses in judgment.