BREAKING: Retired Marine Denied Access to Military Base for Wearing a Pro-Trump Hat
Naval Air Station Oceana leadership claims the hat was “degrading, hostile, and offensive,” yet the Navy didn’t object to drag queens.
Michael Rohlfs, a 79-year-old retired Marine Corps aviator, was denied access to Naval Air Station Oceana for wearing a hat that read, “Liberty, Guns, Beer, Trump, BBQ” (LGBTQ). Navy leadership said the hat was “degrading, hostile, and offensive” and banned him from all Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities in the entire Navy Region Mid-Atlantic for 90 days.
On May 31, 2025, Mr. Rohlfs, his wife, and a friend were sitting on the outside deck at the Oceana Officers’ Club in Virginia Beach, a place they go weekly to socialize with friends. Adjacent to them was a separate squadron event with sailors playing a drinking game and socializing. Mrs. Rohlfs told Restoration News the group was getting loud and cursing so they decided to leave. Just before leaving, two Navy captains approached them, and one commented on Rohlfs’ hat and asked to take a picture with him. They ended their conversation cordially and left the club.
Restoration News spoke to Ed Blind, a friend who was with the Rohlfs. When the captains were talking with the Rohlfs, Blind was standing nearby and was told by a squadron commander that Rohlfs’ hat was offensive to some of his junior officers.
The following week, on June 4th, Rohlfs went to the “O’Club” to socialize with friends and again wore the same hat. No one ever instructed him not to wear the hat.
When he attempted to enter the base on June 11th, continuing his regular routine, the military police told Mr. Rohlfs he was banned from entering the base. Mr. Rohlfs was confused and upset, not knowing why he wasn’t allowed on base. Blind told Restoration News that he invited Rohlfs to ride in his car to get on base, but Rohlfs declined and left.
Mrs. Rohlfs then drove to the base to inquire why her husband was banned and was told he was only banned from MWR activities, not base access. The gate guard misread the security warning. She was also told that a letter was sent to Rohlfs, but it wasn’t received until June 20th via regular mail (even though the letter noted it was to be sent certified mail). Mr. Rohlfs was barred from all MWR activities for 90 days.
Not only did the letter claim Rohlfs’ hat was “degrading, hostile, and offensive,” the Navy claimed Rohlfs made a homophobic slur—an accusation that Blind and Mr. and Mrs. Rohlfs stridently deny. The letter also referenced that the Navy knew Rohlfs visited the O’Club again on June 4th wearing the same hat.
It appears the Navy was monitoring Mr. Rohlfs, a 79-year-old retired Marine who cares for his disabled adult son.
The Navy also asserted in the barment letter that further “disciplinary and/or judicial action” may be initiated.
On July 2nd, Mr. Rohlfs appealed the ban to Captain Josh Appezzato, NAS Oceana Commanding Officer. On Aug. 1, his appeal was denied.
Navy Drag Queen Allowed?
Restoration News spoke to a retired JAG (military lawyer) who said the Navy does have the ability to limit political speech on base. However, there was never any reference to a violation of such nature in Rohlfs’ barment letter and he was never directed to not wear the hat.
It also seems the Navy has a double standard.
Previously, MWR sanctioned a drag show performed on a Navy ship by an enlisted sailor. In 2023, the Navy used the same sailor, Yeoman 2nd Class Joshua Kelly—drag name “Harpy Daniels”—as an ambassador for recruitment. Kelly is still active on TikTok speaking out against decisions of the Trump administration and filming TikTok videos on Navy ships, on Navy bases, and in uniform. It also appears that he dressed in drag while deployed in Spain. Has the Navy sent him a letter?
Mr. Rohlfs’ hat was deemed offensive, but the Navy Sailor drag queen is celebrated.
Restoration News reached out to the Navy public affairs office to ask who directed the barring order and who conducted an investigation. It appears there was no due process since Mr. Rohlfs, his wife, nor Mr. Blind were contacted by any base officials. We’ve received no response.
Mr. Rohlfs wants Navy senior leadership to investigate this incident and the process by which the decision was made.
While the Trump administration has taken positive first steps to eliminate wokeness from the military, clearly more needs to be done.
(READ MORE: Naval Academy Ignored Standardized Test Scores for Class of 2025-2028 Applicants)
