Navy Claims No Ban on ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ Patch

Photo Credit: U.S. NavyNavy SEALs can still wear the First Navy Jack with its motto of “Don’t Tread on Me” on their shoulder, according to service officials, following a report that some units were banning their use.

Last week, Carl Higbie, a former SEAL and author, wrote in the Daily Caller that some Navy SEAL teams have banned the display of the First Navy Jack, also called the Union Jack by the Navy, on military uniforms. Mr. Higbie wrote that the patch was likely banned because it was now too closely associated with the tea party.

The “Don’t Tread on Me” motto is popular among tea party groups, who often fly another Revolutionary War era flag with the motto, the yellow Gadsden Flag…

Mr. Higbie said his information came from several current SEALs and he stood by his article. He said the Navy was clearly backpedalling in the face of criticism. “They are going to say they never said this,” he said. “But as long as [SEALs] are allowed to wear it, I am happy with that.”

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