CDR Cameron Yaste

Past Commanding Officer, USS John S. McCain (DDG 56)

06 November 2023 Commander Cameron Yaste is a native of Knoxville, TN, and a graduate of The Citadel with a Bachelor of Arts in History earning a commission through NROTC in 2006.  He also attended the Naval Post Graduate School where he earned a Master of Science in Astronautics.

At sea he served as division officer aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5); weapons and executive officer aboard PATROL COASTAL CREW HOTEL; combat systems and weapons officer aboard USS HOPPER (DDG 70); and executive officer aboard USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 56).

Ashore, Commander Yaste has served as Director Fellow to the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group; Executive Assistant to the Director for Operations at United States Indo-Pacific Command; Flag Aide to the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet; and Department Head instructor at Surface Warfare Officer School.

Commander Yaste’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and service awards.