Navy service members who donned “Make Aircrew Great Again” uniform patches during President Trump’s visit to Japan may have broken Pentagon rules.
The patches, which included an image resembling Trump, were spotted on the shoulders of servicemen Monday on the USS Wasp when Trump spoke to service members in Yokosuka, Japan. But the Pentagon has limitations surrounding what type of political behavior is acceptable for service members in uniform, raising questions over the patches broke Pentagon rules.
“Navy leadership is currently reviewing this instance to ensure that the wearing of the patch does not violate DOD policy or regulations,” Navy spokesman Lt. Samuel Boyle said in a statement Tuesday.
Airmen onboard the USS WASP wearing patches on their jumpsuits that read “Make Aircrew Great Again.” The patches include an image in the center in the likeness of President Trump. pic.twitter.com/rQKAyrcDte
— Vivian Salama (@vmsalama) May 28, 2019
Unofficial insignia called morale patches can be purchased online, and can be approved through the chain of command. However, it’s uncertain whether sailors received approval before displaying the patches.
Trump visited Yokosuka Naval Base over Memorial Day as part of a four-day visit to Japan. He returned to the U.S. on Tuesday.
