President Donald Trump made a grand entrance aboard the USS George Washington on Tuesday, arriving from a platform overhead, and flanked by two fighter jets and freshly delivered U.S. missiles.
He was greeted by cheering and excitement by U.S. sailors aboard the vessel in Yokosuka, Japan, where he then delivered a strong speech centered on the dominance of the U.S. military, the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, and the courage and sacrifice of America’s men and women in uniform.
“A very special hello to the greatest sailors anywhere in the world – the incredible men and women of the United States Navy!” President Trump said.
He highlighted the power of the USS George Washington and spoke directly to the sailors, praising Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, along with his administration’s broad work to implement an unflinching agenda of peace through strength.
“And unlike past administrations, we will not be politically correct,” President Trump said. “We’re going to defend our country any way we have to…from now on, if we’re in a war, we’re going to WIN the war.”
This comment drew loud applause from the sailors in the audience.
During his remarks, President Trump also invited Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, to speak.
Takaichi is also the nation’s first female prime minister, and she drew an energetic response from the U.S. forces aboard the aircraft carrier.
“I am determined to elevate the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has already become the greatest alliance in the world, to even greater heights,” she said.
Takaichi praised the brave defense forces of both her own country and the United States, noting that Japan’s maritime defense forces and the USS George Washington have conducted “numerous joint exercises together.”
“I am very confident that the sea route from Yokosuka will make our bond even stronger…and bring our two nations on the path to a shining future,” she said.
Following her brief remarks, President Trump praised the crushing might of the United States Navy, noting that if anybody rises against America, “American sailors stand ready to crush them and sink them and wreck them and blast them right into OBLIVION.”
And, while highlighting American superiority in terms of technology and weaponry, he noted, “It’s all about the PEOPLE…if you don’t have the right people to operate those weapons, it doesn’t mean much.”
He added, “Our ultimate strength does not come from equipment, it comes from the men and women of the rank and file.”
President Trump thanked America’s fighting forces for defending freedom and security not just at home but in the Indo-Pacific.
“Every day you’re taking risks to keep our country safe and to defend peace and security in this incredible part of the world,” he said. “…Thank you…YOU are incredible people.”