Navy reviewing if service members violated policy by wearing ‘Make Aircrew Great Again’ patches

The Navy is reportedly reviewing whether some service members violated Defense Department policy by wearing “Make Aircrew Great Again” patches during President Trump’s visit to the USS Wasp stationed in Japan.

The Navy said in a statement that the matter was under review by leadership, according to The Associated Press. The department said it was reviewing the patches to ensure they didn’t violate any regulations administered by the Defense Department. 

The Pentagon has regulations against partisan political acts by service members while in uniform. 

The morale patches that featured a play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan were spotted on Monday by reporters traveling with the president as he visited the ship during his Japan visit.

Vivian Salama, a White House reporter for The Wall Street Journal, snapped a picture showing at least a few service members wearing the patch, which also included a likeness of Trump in the center. 

Some of the sailors aboard the WASP where Trump is now speaking are wearing this patch pic.twitter.com/07LZojqnYH

— Noah Bierman (@Noahbierman) May 28, 2019

Troops sometimes wear themed morale patches, which may include humorous images and references unique to the unit. 

Trump visited multiple military outfits to conclude his weekend trip abroad in Japan. He first visited the J.S. Kaga with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where he addressed Japanese forces. 

He followed that visit by meeting with U.S. troops aboard the USS Wasp. He delivered remarks to about 1,000 sailors and Marines during his stay, remarking at one point, “The unbreakable resolve of these heroes lives on in every American who wears our great uniform.”