US Navy Turns 251: American Politicians Mistake Indian and Russian Warships for US Fleet
Several American politicians used images of Indian and Russian warships in birthday tributes to the US Navy, sparking online mockery over the mistaken maritime identities.
The US Navy marked its 251st birthday on October 13, 2026. However, several American politicians faced online ridicule after sharing photographs of Indian and Russian warships in their celebratory posts.
Georgia Governor Brian P Kemp posted an image of three warships with a “Happy Birthday US Navy” message. Journalist Dave Brown pointed out on social media that the vessels belonged to the Indian Navy.
The photograph reportedly shows Indian frigates INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Beas. It appears to date from a 2008 joint naval exercise involving India and the United States.
Other public figures made similar errors. North Carolina Congressman Tim Moore shared the same image, while Ohio State Representative Mike Dovilla posted a photograph identified as showing Russian naval vessels.
US Border Patrol official Jeffrey J Dinise used an image of a Russian Kirov-class battlecruiser. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, meanwhile, shared a photograph of the Soviet-era cruiser Mikhail Kutuzov, now preserved as a museum ship in Russia.
The Freedom Caucus Foundation also joined the birthday tributes with an image of Indian Navy frigate INS Trikand.
The posts drew sarcastic reactions online, with users questioning how American officials and their social media teams had failed to identify the ships correctly.
The episode turned a celebration of US naval history into an unexpected showcase of Indian and Russian maritime vessels.
