On Sunday, October 5, President Trump and First Lady Melania attended the 250th anniversary celebration of the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, where they paid tribute to the sailors.
President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, before departing, saying, “Today is a great day for the Navy. We are leaving now. The United States has the strongest military in the world. This celebration will showcase the Navy’s capabilities and strength. Enjoy watching it! It will be broadcasted everywhere.”
Upon arriving in Norfolk, President Trump was greeted by the Commanding Officer of Norfolk Naval Base, Colonel Matt Schlarmann. He then proceeded to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier to interact with sailors.
The Trumps watched a military exercise on the carrier deck. Destroyers launched missiles and shells into the Atlantic, SEAL teams parachuted from helicopters, and fighter jets took off from the carrier.
On the pier, many people awaited Trump’s speech, mostly sailors in white uniforms, along with some family members.
The White House also released footage of the US military’s Osprey tiltrotor aircraft landing on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier before the start of the Navy’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Attending the “U.S. Navy 250th Anniversary – Giants of the Sea: Saluting the Fleet” celebration with Trump were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, and Republican Congressman and former Navy Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson.