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A Royal Canadian Navy sailor has agreed to cover up a controversial tattoo.

Last month, a photo of a uniformed RCN sailor wearing an HMCS Fredericton hat at a Halifax Tim Hortons was posted by a concerned citizen to social media; the sailor was sporting a tattoo on his lower right arm that spelled “infidel” in the shape of a rifle.

The post gained plenty of attention, with many calling the tattoo offensive and Islamophobic.

At the time, navy officials said the situation was being investigated, and said that any behaviour by RCN members that demonstrates intolerance or shows a lack of respect toward people or cultures is unacceptable

On Tuesday, Major Mark Gough, senior public affairs officer with Maritime Forces Atlantic Headquarters said after identifying and speaking with the sailor, his chain of command has concluded that there was no ill intent on the sailor’s part.

“The sailor acknowledges and understands the concerns raised by this tattoo and has reassured his chain of command that he will abide with the Canadian Armed Forces’ policy on tattoos and that he plans to tattoo over this tattoo as soon as possible,” Gough said in an email. “As such, the chain of command considers the matter closed and no further action is required.”

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