(DailyChive.com) – The U.S. Navy suffered a social media mishap recently when a social media post, originally intended to showcase America’s preparedness for naval conflict, backfired. The imagery contained within the post appeared to show a commander with a rifle scope mounted incorrectly. The photo, which has since been deleted, first appeared on official Navy social media accounts on Tuesday, April 9.
In the photograph, Commander Cameron Yaste of the USS John S. McCain is seen firing at a target during a gun drill. A caption underneath the picture described the many tasks conducted by Navy personnel and assured readers of their constant preparedness for combat. Eagle-eyed military experts and commentators, however, noticed that the Trijicon VCOG scope in use in the photograph, which is used to magnify a target during aiming, was mounted the wrong way around. The position of the scope rendered it completely useless – and worse still, the lens was even covered by a protective case that should have been removed.
Social media commenters didn’t just point out the scope error — they argued that Yaste’s shooting technique and stance were incorrect. Some commenters compared the commander to a “boat captain.”
Following the social media backlash, the U.S. Navy removed the photographs and issued a public statement acknowledging the mistake and promising to review the incident thoroughly.
Since then, enthusiasts have engaged in new discussions online about the proper handling of firearms and the quality of training for Navy personnel. More than just an embarrassing mishap, the photograph signified to some commentators that the U.S. military is not as prepared as it should be and that personnel are not being adequately prepared for all aspects of their duties, including handling weaponry.
Despite the social media backlash, however, Commander Yaste has a long history with the U.S. Navy, having been commissioned in 2006 through the Navy ROTC program. Yaste holds a Master’s degree in Astronautics and previously served aboard the USS Hopper.
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