First Lady Melania Trump surprised and delighted audiences this weekend when she opened her speech with a Navy battle cry during the U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary Celebration in Norfolk, Virginia. The event, held October 5 at Naval Station Norfolk, gathered nearly 10,000 sailors in full dress whites.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump and the First Lady attended in person to honor the milestone. The President praised America’s service members while criticizing Democrats for the budget stalemate, promising, “We’ll make sure our service members get every last penny.”

The atmosphere felt more like a rally as chants of “U-S-A!” echoed through the crowd, and Trump ended his remarks with his familiar dance to “Y.M.C.A.,” drawing cheers and laughter.

When Melania Trump took the stage, she immediately captured attention by shouting, “Hooyah, Navy!” The crowd of sailors responded with an equally loud “Hooyah!” while many watching online wondered what the term meant.

Clips of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking both confusion and praise. “I did NOT have Melania yelling ‘Hooyah’ on my 2025 bingo card,” one user joked, while others applauded her enthusiasm and patriotic energy.

After her spirited opening, the First Lady offered warm words of gratitude. “It is an honor to celebrate 250 years since the United States Navy was established,” she said. “Your courage and sacrifice inspire us all.”

According to *Military Times*, “Hooyah” is the Navy’s traditional battle cry, used to express motivation, unity, and respect — similar to the Marines’ “Oorah” and the Army’s “Hooah.”

Melania’s lively salute, “Hooyah, Navy!” symbolized respect for America’s sailors and embodied the spirit of determination and pride that defines the U.S. Navy. Hooyah, indeed.