Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehy returned to active duty status in the Navy Reserve, completing a ceremonial swearing-in at the White House led by President Trump. The move marks Sheehy’s return to military service after a seven-year absence from the reserves.

Sheehy, who served as a Navy SEAL officer and team leader with the rank of lieutenant, had transitioned to the Navy Reserve in September 2014 following active duty. He was honorably discharged from the reserves in 2019. His new assignment places him with SEAL Team 18, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Military Service Record

Sheehy’s military career spans multiple deployments and combat zones. He served overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and the Pacific region. His service earned him several commendations, including a Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism in Combat, a Purple Heart Medal, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, an Army Commendation Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Ranger Tab.

As a Navy Reserve member, Sheehy will commit to one weekend per month drilling and two weeks of annual training. The part-time commitment allows him to maintain his Senate duties while serving in the military.

Return to Service

Sheehy reflected on his return in remarks following the ceremony. “Fighting for our nation overseas as a Navy SEAL was one of the greatest honors of my life, and standing with my family in the Oval Office to be sworn into the Navy Reserve by President Trump was a humbling reminder that serving this country is a lifelong calling,” he said.

The decision comes as Trump, who took office in January 2025, has moved to strengthen military readiness and encourage service-minded officials to maintain or return to active roles. Sheehy’s move aligns with broader administration efforts to emphasize military preparedness and officer retention.

Sheehy, elected to the Senate in 2024, has positioned himself as a strong advocate for military funding and national defense priorities during his first months in office. His return to the Navy Reserve underscores his personal commitment to those principles.