President Donald Trump marked the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday with a speech on board the USS Harry S Truman on Sunday.
The event was delivered with the showmanship that Trump rallies and speeches are known for, with a dynamic entrance, music from the Village People, and a boisterous crowd of sailors who were especially excited to hear the president announce pay raises for all service members.
The event allowed other curiosities to be captured, as well, such as a journalist catching a team of U.S. Navy Seals conducting a fast rope drill aboard the USS Ross. A video posted online shows Seals descending from a helicopter to the deck in quick succession.
Navy SEAL fast rope demo aboard USS Ross. pic.twitter.com/1xBdxSA8YU
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) October 5, 2025
The 250th birthday celebration was held aboard the Truman. Trump was flown to the aircraft carrier on Marine One. As the president’s helicopter approached, the carrier began to blare music from classic Navy movie “Top Gun.”
The Commander-in-Chief has arrived aboard the USS Harry S. Truman to celebrate the @USNavy‘s 250th birthday ⚓️???????? pic.twitter.com/x4L4CMtpLF
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 5, 2025
Trump walked out to the stage to the Village People’s “YMCA,” the classic song that has become synonymous with the president’s rallies. Sailors gave a raucous cheer as the president danced along to the music.
TRUMP DANCE ABOARD THE USS HARRY S. TRUMAN!
GOD BLESS OUR NAVY! ???????? pic.twitter.com/TCYmQ2ayh0
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 5, 2025
During his speech, Trump recognized U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio. Maurizio joined the U.S. military when he was 18 and took part in D-Day, the invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944 during World War 2. He later served in the Pacific and “spent his 21st birthday landing Marines on the blood-soaked sands of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest, toughest battles ever,” Trump said.
“This year, Felix celebrated his 100th birthday, and he is here this afternoon as a living testament to the glory of the United States Navy,” said Trump.
“Felix, you look better than I do. I’m not happy, not happy about this, Felix,” the president joked. “Felix, we salute you.”
.@POTUS recognizes World War II hero and U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio — who celebrated his 100th birthday this year and is in the audience today to celebrate Navy 250 ???????? pic.twitter.com/HZxeLMU82t
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 5, 2025
While encouraging the sailors and touting the Navy’s virtues, the president recited one of the most famous quotes in U.S. naval history: “I know that whenever our nation is threatened and whenever they need help, whenever duty calls, American sailors will hoist our flag high, and they will rally to Admiral Farragut’s immortal battle cry: ‘Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!’”
.@POTUIS: “Whenever duty calls, American Sailors will hoist our flag high and they will rally to Admiral Farragut’s immortal battle cry: ‘DAMN THE TORPEDOS, FULL SPEED AHEAD!'” pic.twitter.com/0pJleUey7N
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 5, 2025
The president promised that, despite the “Democrat-induced shutdown,” every sailor would receive “every last penny” he is owed.
While the troops are considered essential employees of the U.S. government, they are currently not being paid while the government is shut down. They will begin to receive regular paychecks and backpay for the pause once lawmakers reach an agreement to reopen the government.
In addition to backpay, Trump also promised a raise for every service member across the board, drawing loud cheers from the sailors.
“The U.S. Navy always stands for America. As Commander-in-Chief, I will always stand up you,” says @POTUS.
“I want you to know that, despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny.” pic.twitter.com/xlyyFQtOuI
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 5, 2025
Sailors lined up to wave the president off after he wrapped his speech and headed back to the White House.
Sailors wave goodbye to President Trump after the largest celebration in the history of the U.S. Navy! ⚓️???????? pic.twitter.com/03f8ztRTSl
— Anna Kelly (@AnnaKelly47) October 5, 2025