War Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a large gathering of U.S. Navy Sailors in Virginia on Saturday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, Hegseth reinforced President Donald Trump’s message of “America first, and peace through strength” while rejecting the military’s prior emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Hegseth was met with strong applause as he began his remarks to thousands of Sailors assembled at the base.

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Naval Station Norfolk, located in Norfolk, Virginia, hosts more than 82,000 active-duty service members and an additional 29,000 civilian employees.

Calling the crowd “the absolute best of America,” Hegseth praised the Sailors’ dedication and commitment.

“Looking out at all of you — I know you know why the President always says we have the strongest, most powerful, most lethal, most ready military on the planet, and he’s going to make sure we keep it that way,” he said.

The War Secretary tied the Navy’s anniversary celebration to President Trump’s broader defense strategy.

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“This is the perfect way to mark 250 years of the United States Navy,” Hegseth said.

“You know, President Trump has made our mission clear: America first, and peace through strength with common sense at every turn.”

Hegseth reaffirmed that the Pentagon had officially returned to its original name, the Department of War, reflecting a renewed focus on readiness and deterrence.

“At the War Department — it is the War Department — we’re committed to that mission of peace through strength,” he stated.

JUST IN: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth just took the stage at Naval Station Norfolk and the sailors are ELECTRIC.

“This is the PERFECT WAY to mark 250 years of the US Navy.”

“America first and peace through strength, with common sense at EVERY turn.” pic.twitter.com/2z9IUk9OdX

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 5, 2025

“And for the Navy, that means more Sailors, more subs, more ships, and more munitions for all of them. Navy and the Marine Corps embody the resilience of our country. Nobody, nobody in the world does it better than the United States Navy.”

Addressing the crowd, Hegseth directly challenged the notion that “diversity is our strength,” instead emphasizing the shared mission and unity of purpose that define the armed forces.

“You’re not civilians, you are different — Sailors, SEALs, Marines. You were set apart for a distinct purpose,” he said.

“Your diversity is not your strength. Your strength is your unity of purpose, your shared mission, your love of country. Generation after generation, battle after battle, ship after ship, Sailor after Sailor, you have set the tone.”

Pete Hegseth to Navy troops: “Your diversity is not your strength. Your strength is your unity of purpose, your shared mission, your love of country.” pic.twitter.com/7NYyD4FDyc

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) October 5, 2025

Hegseth also drew on the legacy of John Paul Jones, the naval commander recognized as the “Father of the American Navy.”

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“I have not yet begun to fight!”

He conducted the first attack on British soil since the 17th century and famously captured the British warship Serapis, read more here about this swashbuckling “Father of the American Navy” pic.twitter.com/pZ7mRqqxYW

— The American Culturist (@MericaCulture) July 26, 2025

Quoting Jones’ famous declaration, “I have not yet begun to fight,” Hegseth said the spirit of determination and service continues under President Trump.

“Today we have a commander in chief who fights for all of you and fights for our country every single day,” Hegseth said.

“A commander in chief who guarantees that you, the war fighters, have everything you need on the high seas to deter our enemies, and if necessary, win overwhelmingly.”

He added that President Trump “appreciates your service, your sacrifice, and that of your family as well,” and said the President “has your back.”

Hegseth closed his speech with a message of gratitude to the Sailors on behalf of the Pentagon.

“So war fighters, on behalf of everyone at the Department of War, thank you,” he said.

“Thank you for your commitment to America’s Navy. You stand the watch 250 years later. God bless you, and may God bless our great Republic. Godspeed.”

The event concluded with brief remarks from First Lady Melania Trump, followed by a 45-minute address from President Trump, who praised the Navy’s long history and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding American military strength.

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