In a recent announcement from the U.S. Navy, it was confirmed that the commanding officer of USS John S. McCain, Cmdr. Cameron Yaste, has been relieved of his duties due to a “loss of confidence” in his ability to command the guided-missile destroyer.
The decision was made by Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, and took effect on August 30.
Following the relief, Capt. Allison Christy, the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has stepped in as the temporary commanding officer for USS John S. McCain.
The ship, which is currently deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, has been stationed in the Middle East since arriving in April after leaving its homeport in Everett, Washington, in March.
The U.S. Navy stated that the relief of Cmdr. Yaste would not affect the ship’s mission or schedule. A representative from the U.S. Navy made clear the importance of maintaining high standards for commanding officers, noting that they are entrusted with significant responsibilities for their crews and vessels.
Cmdr. Yaste had taken command of USS John S. McCain in October 2023 and will now be temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Northwest.
Here’s the statement.
“The commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander, relieved Cmdr. Cameron Yaste of duties as John S. McCain’s commanding officer. Capt. Allison Christy, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 21, has temporarily assumed command of the destroyer. John S. McCain is currently on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. It arrived in the Middle East in April after departing its homeport of Everett, Washington in March. There is no impact to the ship’s mission or schedule due to the relief.
The Navy holds commanding officers to the highest standards and holds them accountable when those standards are not met. Naval leaders are entrusted with significant responsibilities to their Sailors and their ships. Yaste reported to assume the role as John S. McCain’s commanding officer in October 2023. He has now been temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Northwest.”
In 2023, the US Navy relieved a total of 16 commanding officers of command: 14 were fired “due to a loss of confidence” in their ability to command, and two were relieved for medical issues unrelated to their performance,
Of the 14 commanding officers who were fired: Eight were in charge of ships, five were in shore billets, and one led a squadron of Navy E/A-18G Growlers.
2023 was an average year for the US Navy for the relief of commanding officers.
So the point of your comment is?
That underperforming senior ranks are let go in USN and?????
He is adding a a bit more information. I don’t see the issue.
To keep track of this issues USNI news
Ever heard of putting something into context?
It does get one to wonder about their promotion system.
I think it has more to do with the US Navy culture of holding commanding officers accountable for their actions rather rigidly.
The USN got rid of quite a few commanders at the beginning of WW2 when they realised that the peacetime criteria was innapropriate.
Are they getting rid of the very.people that they need?
Down Periscope.
…and their command appointments system.
Why? Seems a lot is left unsaid. The Cmdr. has a cloud over his head.
They usually don’t say anything more unless there is something criminal in nature.
At least the yanks have people to step in…
This is the CO that earlier in the year posted on the hellsite a picture of him using a rifle with the telescopic sight on backwards. Much ridicule ensued especially from the USMC. His rep will be in tatters. The crew won’t take him seriously if he cannot get firing a rifle right! The moral is – “Think before you tweet.” Social media is an unforgiving mistress. Only the USS Eisenhower’s CO ,Capt. Christopher “Chowdah” Hill seems to have social media nailed. Mc cain was in when I was assisting on her sister ship Leboon who was doing an engine… Read more »