US Navy dismisses warship commander over backward rifle scope photo

The U.S. Navy has relieved Commander Cameron Yaste of the USS John S. McCain after a photo of him firing a rifle with a backward-mounted scope went viral. The image, shared on social media, sparked ridicule, leading to its removal.

The Navy cited a "loss of confidence in his ability to command" as the reason for Yaste's removal while the destroyer is deployed in the Gulf of Oman. He faces a demotion to Naval Officer.

Capt. Allison Christy has temporarily taken over command. The situation attracted attention from other military branches, including a jab from the Marine Corps on social media. The Navy acknowledged the error and mentioned that extra military instruction would be conducted.