01 / DOCUMENTED RECORD

What the sources establish

CBS reports that Petty Officer 2nd Class Wilbert Joseph Castañeda appeared onstage with former hostages at the September 10 Republican convention. A Navy official confirmed that he remained on active duty. [1]

CBS says Defense Department rules prohibit active-duty members from participating in partisan rallies or conventions, although they may attend as out-of-uniform spectators. [1]

02 / RESPONSE & OUTCOME

The other side of the record

CBS reported that Castañeda did not speak or wear a uniform, that Navy knowledge or approval was unclear, and that neither Castañeda nor the Pentagon responded before publication. [1]

03 / CONTEXT

What this does not establish

No military finding or charge was reported. CBS did not report that Pete Hegseth personally knew of, approved or directed the appearance; his profile link supplies departmental context only.

04 / CHRONOLOGY

Key dates

  1. Castañeda appears onstage at the convention, according to CBS. [1]

  2. CBS publishes its policy-compliance report. [1]

05 / READ THE SOURCES

Check the record yourself

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  1. ReportingPublished: Sep 11, 2026
    Active-duty sailor convention appearance ↗

    CBS News