The US Navy faced criticism after posting a photo on their official X/Twitter account, which showed a sailor with a rifle scope mounted backwards and the lens caps still closed. The image, intended to showcase the Navy's readiness and activities such as practice gun shoots, maintenance, and testing fuel, drew attention for the error. The Navy acknowledged the mistake, thanking the public for pointing out the rifle scope error and stated the picture was removed until Extra Military Instruction (EMI) is completed. The incident involved the commanding officer of the USS John McCain and was widely discussed across social media, with critiques focusing on the backward-mounted Trijicon scope and the lens caps being closed. The photo was meant to depict the commander aiming at a target known as a “killer tomato,” highlighting the US Navy's operational capabilities, particularly of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet.
U.S. Navy warship commander is going viral for having the scope mounted backwards while aiming at a target known as a “killer tomato” U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in… https://t.co/a3YJCWX07A
This US Navy ad as seen through the eyes of an experienced frogman: “CO of a DDG firing a 5.56… 1. Needing a hand on his butt stock shoulder for “recoil” 2. The Trijicon mounted backwards 3. And lens caps still closed. WTF? The Chinese must be f**ing terrified.” https://t.co/BKu7LNwz3t
Commanding officer of the John McCain takes aim at a terrorist... With the scope on backward and the cover closed https://t.co/saRham7H3j
The heavy whistle of the US Navy in social networks Commander of the USS John McCain firing his gun while the camera is reversed After realizing the mess, delete all the photos https://t.co/5N4obuINiT
US Navy's New Instagram Photo Draws Criticism For 'Backward Rifle Optic' https://t.co/0kqyeBiHh5
🎉 From engaging in practice gun shoots, conducting maintenance, testing fuel, and participating in sea and anchor, the #USNavy is always ready to serve 💪. Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post. Picture has been removed until EMI is completed! https://t.co/3iwpVxszUK
The US Navy posted this photo earlier today to their official X/Twitter account. Seriously. This may be funny but it's also concerning. How many Sailors saw this before it was published? A lot. How did this Sailor not realize he had no sight picture? Is their… https://t.co/8l8QSWzT5v