The US Navy
The United States Navy has an extensive fleet of vessels, ranging from enormous aircraft carriers to cruisers and destroyers. These are all led by several high-ranking officers, including commanders.
Source: Wikimedia
Working up to the title of Commander in the Navy is no easy task. It takes a strong work ethic, a passion for the Navy, and, typically, over a decade of promotions.
Aircraft Carriers of the US Navy
The US Navy has 11 aircraft carriers, all of which are powered by nuclear energy. Generally, the naval forces will have several aircraft carriers deployed at a single time in regions around the world, often accompanied by destroyers and other ships for protection.
Source: Wikimedia
The USS Theodore Roosevelt is currently deployed in the Middle East, accompanied by the destroyer, USS John McCain, and other vessels.
USS John McCain
The American Navy is widely regarded as the most powerful in the world, thanks to its overall size, the presence of state-of-the-art vessels, and the brave crewmembers who run the ships.
Source: Wikimedia
However, recently, it wasn’t the might of the Navy that caught the attention of the media. Instead, it was the antics of a commander who turned the naval force into a laughing stock online.
Navy Commander Released From His Post
Cameron Yaste was the commanding officer aboard the USS John McCain until August 30, when he was relieved of his position.
Source: Wikimedia
Following the announcement of his replacement, the Navy released a statement claiming Yaste was removed from his post “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer.”
Commander Aims Down Sights With Backward Scope
While the Navy was reluctant to clarify what had caused Yaste’s sudden loss of faith in his abilities, his removal comes four months after the commander became a laughing stock online.
Source: US Navy
Back in April, a photograph was shard online of Yaste aiming down the sights of a rifle. However, people quickly realized his scope was back-to-front, and the lens was still attached, resulting in significant criticism online.
Navy Unaware of the Mistake in the Photo
The picture was initially released as part of a press release suggesting it was intended to be taken seriously.
Source: Freepik
In a now-deleted post, the Navy wrote, “From engaging in practice gun shoots to conducting maintenance, testing fuel purity, and participating in sea and anchor details, the #USNavy is always ready to serve and protect.”
We Are Going to Lose a War
The post received considerable criticism online, with many describing the commander’s inability to recognize the scope’s problem as embarrassing.
Source: Freepik
Many Americans also expressed their worry about the capabilities of high-ranking individuals within the Navy, suggesting that the lack of training shows that the nation is likely “going to lose a major war” should it occur.
The Marine Corps Takes a Dig at the Navy
According to Stars and Stripes, a military news outlet, the Marine Corps was quick to criticize the Navy for Yaste’s blunder.
Source: US Military
The Marines shared an image of a solider firing a rifle to their own social media page and captioned it with: “Clear Sight Picture.”
Navy Release Statement on Rifle Scope Error
The Navy, clearly embarrassed by the entire ordeal, later spoke out about the incident, revealing they had removed the image from their social media pages.
Source: Freepik
“Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post,” “Picture has been removed until EMI (extra military instruction) is completed,” wrote the Navy.
Deputy Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21 Replaces Commander
The embarrassment Yaste brought to the Navy may have contributed to the Commander’s removal from his post.
Source: Wikimedia
He was replaced by Captain Allison Christy, the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, which is part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group. This fleet of vessels is also deployed in the Gulf of Oman.
Protecting the USS Roosevelt
Currently, aircraft carriers and destroyers such as the USS John McCain are deployed in the Middle East due to rising tensions between their allies, Israel and Iran.
Source: Wikimedia
The USS John McCain is one of several ships employed to defend the Roosevelt from any attack, whether from land, air, or sea.