The Department of Defense briefly published and subsequently deleted an official photograph on Thursday featuring a U.S. Navy sailor wearing an unauthorized morale patch. The image, which was captured on the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford, showed the service member in full uniform sporting a patch with the slogan: “Join the U.S. Navy. Save the Big Booty Venezuelans!”
The photograph appeared on the Pentagon’s official social media accounts early Thursday morning. It remained visible for several hours, garnering thousands of interactions and shares before administrative officials removed the post from all public-facing platforms.
Military observers and social media users quickly archived the image, causing it to circulate widely across digital networks. The sailor, who has not been publicly identified by the Navy, was standing on the flight deck when the high-resolution photo was originally taken.
Morale patches have long been a fixture of military culture, particularly during extended deployments at sea where sailors seek ways to maintain high spirits. While often humorous or irreverent, these patches are typically subject to command discretion and strict uniform regulations.
The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently operating as part of a scheduled deployment. Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the Navy has maintained a high operational tempo, often resulting in long periods at sea for various carrier strike groups.
The Pentagon has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident or the specific sailor involved. It remains unclear how the image passed initial review by public affairs officers before being uploaded to the department’s primary communication channels.
Public reaction to the viral image has been divided. Some viewers characterized the sailor’s humor as a reflection of spirit during a demanding tour, while others questioned the professionalism of the message displayed on an official uniform.
This incident occurs as the Department of Defense continues to navigate the boundaries of social media engagement and traditional military decorum. The swift removal of the post suggests an internal realization that the content diverged from official standards.
Navy leadership typically handles uniform infractions through standard administrative channels. It is currently unknown if the sailor in question will face formal disciplinary action for the unauthorized addition to his gear.