After her spirited greeting, the First Lady continued with heartfelt words of appreciation. “It is an honor to be with you to celebrate 250 years since the United States Navy was officially established,” she said. “Generations of sailors have kept America free through their courage and service. Your strength, bravery, and sacrifice inspire us all.”
So what does “Hooyah” actually mean?
According to Military Times, “Hooyah” is the traditional battle cry of the U.S. Navy — especially among elite units like the SEALs. It’s a shout of motivation, unity, and respect, often used during physically demanding drills or missions. The term dates back to the Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, where instructors would yell “Hooyah!” to push recruits through tough exercises. Recruits would respond in kind, turning the word into a symbol of determination and teamwork.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “Hooyah” as an expression of approval, agreement, or encouragement — similar to “Oorah” for Marines or “Hooah” for the Army. Continue reading…
