NORFOLK, Va. — President Donald Trump is attending an event at Naval Station Norfolk celebrating the United States Navy's 250th birthday, where he will be joined by First Lady Melania Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
Thousands of sailors and military members are expected to attend the event, officially titled, America’s Navy 250: Titans of the Sea — A Salute to the Fleet, about a week ahead of the Navy's official birthday on Oct. 13.
"This once-in-a-generation event will honor the Navy’s unmatched record of victory at sea, showcase its cutting-edge fleet, and inspire the next generation of warriors to carry America’s strength across every ocean," a release from event organizers stated.
We'll be updating story throughout the day with information, video footage and images from the event.
5:00 p.m.
Trump concluded his speech and walked off the stage to the Village People's "YMCA."
Read our recap of his speech here:
Norfolk
Trump touts Navy's strength, perseverance at 250th celebration in Norfolk
4:15 p.m.
President Donald Trump steps up to speak, saluting the fleet as the Navy celebrates 250 years of service.
Trump touts the Navy's strength and perseverance during his speech.
"The instant [a] US carrier, cruiser or destroyer breaks across the horizon, every tyrant and adversary on the planet knows their choice is very simple. It's leave America in peace or be blown up in fire and fury never seen before," Trump said.
Trump later in his speech said recruitment in the Navy is soaring, expressing how this was not happening a year ago, "One year ago, our country was dead."
4 p.m.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth takes the stage at the Titans of the Sea celebration, saying "unity of purpose," not diversity, is the Navy's strength.
3:48 p.m.
Around 3:50 p.m., Navy dignitaries CNO Daryl Caudle and SECNAV John Phelan joined the stage.
Phelan took the podium, commending the Navy for its strength.
"Today, 250 years later, history is proven, to be, has proven that to be a superpower, one must be a sea power," Phelan said. "Today, we show the world what American sea power means. Deadly precision, meticulous execution, raw power and the will to use it."
3:30 p.m.
Protesters stand outside Gate 5 at Naval Station Norfolk, holding signs that read "This is the government our founders warned us about" and "Children lives are not the price of freedom."
3 p.m.
Chief of Protocol of the United States and Ambassador Monica Crowley took the stage, praising the Navy's "250 years of naval power and American might."
2:40 p.m.
Members of the COVA Visibility Brigade are at the Norview Avenue 64 overpass in Norfolk protesting President Donald Trump's visit to the Naval Station Norfolk.
The brigade is part of COVA Coalition, a group of activists in the Hampton Roads area, according to Pete Woodhead, lead coordinator with COVA Visibility Brigade. The group is mainly woman based, working to advance fair democracy and values in the area.
They are calling for an end to the government shutdown that went into effect Wednesday, for the first time since 2019.
2:30 p.m.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump get a front-row seat to a Navy F/18 flight demonstration.
2:14 p.m.
Around 2 p.m., Navy F/18s began a demonstration for the crowd in diamond formation led by Commander Spacecamp.
1:30 p.m.
Trump meets with members of the Navy at Naval Station Norfolk before the Titans of the Sea celebration.
1:27 p.m.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive at Naval Station Norfolk for the Titans of the Sea celebration.
The Navy is doing naval weapons demonstrations, as attendees and sailors await to hear Trump and the other speakers.
12:45 p.m.
Watch: Retired Navy Seal Christopher Wyllie addresses the crowd.
12:30 p.m.
Speakers began taking the podium around just before 12:30, beginning with veterans telling stories of their heroism.
12:15 p.m.
Per WTKR Norfolk reporter Jay Greene, there are thousands of sailors in attendance.
"It's a sea of white uniforms on pier 14," Greene said.
They expect about 12,000 attendees.
11:30 a.m.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk from Marine One to board Air Force One, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., en route to Norfolk, Va.
Friday, Oct. 3 - Trump confirms attendance at Naval Station Norfolk celebration
