Commander Cameron Yaste of the Navy Destroyer USS John McCain was relieved of his duties after a social media post resulted in a loss of confidence in his leadership.
The photo in question, posted in April, shows Yaste aiming a rifle through a scope that was mounted backward. This was an optics disaster for the Navy, and the picture was eventually deleted according to the Associated Press, with a follow-up message posted saying: “Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post. Picture has been removed until EMI (extra military instruction) is completed.”
Around the same time, the Marines posted a similar photo with a properly mounted scope.
Clear Sight Picture#Marines assigned to the @15thMEUOfficial conduct a live-fire deck shoot aboard the @usnavy amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, April 6.
The 15th MEU is currently embarked aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group conducting routine operations.#BlueGreenTeam pic.twitter.com/NJqe4mLdmh
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) April 10, 2024
The Navy’s official statement on the change was short and sweet, with no additional details. They explained that Yaste was removed from the position “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided missile destroyer.”
Yaste has been replaced by Capt. Allison Christy, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, who will maintain the position temporarily until a permanent replacement can be established.
X users weighed in on the removal:
I’m sure he was up to date on all of his transgender sensitivity training though. So what if he didn’t know how to use a scope.
— King Hippo (@JXP5000) September 4, 2024
LMAO
Why is everything I’m aiming at so far away??
— Mike Atkinson (@coffeemikeatkin) September 4, 2024
Sure a silly mistake. But fire him? Comon Guys. Have him do some tests again. We all fck up sometimes. Give the poor soul a break. Our military men and women put their lives on the line. They earned respect imo.
— Fascist Dictator Joe Briben (@RaymondRed1971) September 4, 2024
If it wasn’t for the fact that the military has made DEI a top priority, I would’ve been against this, but since DEI rules everything….I say relieve him of his duty.
— Bow Hunter (@BowHunter247) September 4, 2024
Poor bast’d was handed a rifle for a photo op and he wasn’t paying attention. The real problem is…. HE WASN’T PAYING ATTENTION….. We need engaged leaders.. not photo op leaders.
— Ken Burows (@K_Burows) September 4, 2024
I smell a setup to get a woman commander to replace him. This should be investigated. Who gave him the weapon? Why was the scope on backwards?
— Chasinnova -Trumpite-0905 (@chasinnova1) September 4, 2024
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) September 4, 2024
Goober Biden has done much sillier stuff and no one has confidence in him, Why is Biden still in there?
— Annie Kinn (@AnnieGotHerGuns) September 4, 2024
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to BizPac Review.
- Megan Rapinoe gets mixed response for trashing US men’s national soccer team slogan - December 17, 2025
- Dems proudly unveil new Capitol statue that replaced Robert E. Lee - December 17, 2025
- Wrestling legend cuts ties with Trump admin. over Rob Reiner remarks - December 17, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
BPR INSIDER COMMENTS
Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!
