Active-Duty Navy Sailor Appears Onstage At GOP Midterm Convention
Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilbert Joseph Castañeda, an active-duty Navy sailor, appeared onstage Thursday at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas, prompting questions about whether the appearance violated Pentagon rules.[1]
Castañeda, who is no longer authorized to wear a SEAL Trident, wore a suit onstage and held a sign reading "351 days" to mark his time imprisoned in Venezuela.[1] Pentagon Directive 1344.10 bars active-duty troops from participating in partisan conventions and allows only spectators who are not in uniform.[1] A former Army JAG told reporters that by going onstage as part of the program Castañeda ceased to be a spectator and could fall afoul of the directive.[1]
Castañeda has said the sign marked his 351 days imprisoned in Venezuela.[1] The Navy confirmed Friday that he is an active-duty sailor but declined to say whether the Dallas appearance was authorized or under review.[1]
The former Army JAG's assessment raises the prospect the appearance could trigger a disciplinary review if the Navy concludes it was unauthorized.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, September 10, 2026, Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilbert Joseph Castañeda appeared onstage at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas.
- Castañeda, an active-duty sailor no longer authorized to wear a SEAL Trident, wore a suit and held a sign reading "351 days" to mark his time imprisoned in Venezuela.
- Pentagon Directive 1344.10 prohibits active-duty troops from participating in partisan conventions, allowing only spectator attendance when not in uniform.
- A former Army JAG said that by going onstage as part of the program, Castañeda ceased to be a spectator and could fall afoul of the directive.
- The Navy confirmed Friday that Castañeda is an active-duty sailor but did not comment on whether the appearance was authorized or under review.
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