US Navy Dismisses Warship Commander After Photo of Backward Rifle Scope

High-Ranking Officer Fired After Photo Goes Viral

Incident Raises Concerns About Readiness and Training

The U.S. Navy has dismissed the commander of a guided-missile destroyer after a widely circulated photo showed the officer holding a rifle with the scope mounted backward.

Commander Sean Babbitt, who led the USS Ralph Johnson, was relieved of his command on Thursday, according to a statement from the Navy's 7th Fleet.

The photo, which surfaced on social media last week, sparked widespread ridicule and concerns about the proficiency of the Navy's officers.

Investigation Launched

The Navy has launched an investigation into the incident to determine how such an error could have occurred.

According to the service, Babbitt was holding the rifle during a weapons demonstration for visiting dignitaries.

The Navy did not specify whether Babbitt was aware of the mistake at the time the photo was taken.

Training and Readiness Concerns

The incident has raised questions about the Navy's training and readiness standards.

According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Navy has been struggling to maintain a sufficient number of qualified sailors.

The GAO report also found that the Navy's training programs have been underfunded and understaffed.

Impact on Navy's Reputation

The incident has damaged the Navy's reputation and raised concerns about its ability to perform its missions effectively.

The Navy has been facing increasing pressure to improve its readiness and training standards in recent years.

The service has been plagued by a series of high-profile incidents, including the fatal collision between the USS Fitzgerald and a merchant ship in 2017.

Conclusion

The dismissal of Commander Babbitt is a reminder of the importance of training and readiness in the U.S. Navy.

The incident has raised concerns about the Navy's ability to perform its missions effectively and has damaged its reputation.

The Navy must take immediate steps to address these concerns and restore confidence in its ability to protect the nation.