Navy Relieves Destroyer Captain After Rifle Blunder

Commander Cameron Yaste of the USS John McCain was relieved of duty after a controversial incident involving a rifle with a backward-mounted scope. This decision came four months after Yaste was photographed holding said rifle and was confirmed on Friday, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Navy cited a "loss of confidence in his ability to command" the destroyer, which is on deployment in the Gulf of Oman.

The photo, posted on the Navy's social media back in April, sparked criticism and ridicule. The image showed Yaste in a firing stance with the scope mounted backward. Stars and Stripes noted that the Marine Corps subtly mocked the incident by sharing the photo with the caption "Clear Sight Picture." The Navy eventually removed the photo.

Captain Allison Christy, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has temporarily taken over command of the USS John McCain. This squadron is part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, also stationed in the Gulf of Oman. The deployment of these carriers aims to provide support to Israel against potential threats from Iran or other Middle Eastern adversaries, according to Pentagon officials. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)