War Thunder marks the US Navy’s birthday from October 13 at 11:00 GMT to October 16 at 11:00 GMT. The event cuts the USS Maryland Pack and three premium American ships by 30% in the Gaijin.Net Store, and adds a free “Emblem of the US Pacific Fleet” decal for players who earn 3,000 mission points in American naval battles.
Updated: October 13, 2026.
Why October 13
The US Navy’s birthday marks the Continental Congress’s decision to establish a naval force, adopted on October 13, 1775. War Thunder’s announcement describes the modern tradition, in which the most senior and most junior sailor present cut the cake together using a naval dirk as a symbol of continuity between generations. Gaijin turns the date into a three-day naval sale.
US Navy Birthday sale: regular vs. sale price
| Item | Rank | Regular price | Sale price (30% off) | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USS Maryland Pack | VI | $79.99 | $55.99 | $24.00 |
| USS Cowell | III | 4,880 GE | 3,416 GE | 1,464 GE |
| USS Helena | IV | 8,020 GE | 5,614 GE | 2,406 GE |
| USS Des Moines | V | 8,020 GE | 5,614 GE | 2,406 GE |
The USS Maryland Pack bundles the super-dreadnought USS Maryland for the USA with 3,000 Golden Eagles and 30 days of Premium account. The three individual ships sit under USA, Bluewater fleet, and Premium vehicles in the in-game tree, and the USS Cowell can only be bought during this promotion. New naval players may find the Rank III Cowell the cheapest entry point, while the Des Moines is the high-tier pick for its autoloader. Gaijin lists only the discounted Golden Eagles prices; the regular prices above reverse the 30% markdown, and the War Thunder Wiki lists the USS Helena’s 8,020 Golden Eagles regular price.
The ships and what they carry
Built as a Rank III destroyer, the USS Cowell takes its name from John Cowell, a US Navy officer killed in the War of 1812. Five 127 mm main guns handle surface targets, seven 20 mm Oerlikon cannons cover aircraft, and up to ten 533 mm torpedoes plus six depth charges handle threats below the waterline.
Pearl Harbor damage anchors the history of the USS Helena, a Rank IV light cruiser named after Helena, Montana. After repairs it struck numerous Japanese ships near Guadalcanal by autumn 1942, then was sunk by a torpedo in July 1943. Five turrets carry three 152 mm guns each, backed by 20 mm and 40 mm anti-aircraft guns.
The Rank V option is the USS Des Moines, a heavy cruiser laid down in May 1945. Named after the Iowa capital, it never saw combat and was the first US Navy ship fitted with 203 mm autoloading guns; a fully trained crew cuts the reload to 6 seconds.
How to claim the free decal
The “Emblem of the US Pacific Fleet” decal runs on the same October 13 to 16 window as the sale, so anyone chasing the decal can shop for ships in the same session.
- Pick a USA Coastal or Bluewater vessel at Rank III or higher.
- Earn 3,000 mission points in random battles.
- Track progress in the hangar under Nickname, Achievements, Holidays, and US Navy Birthday.
- Collect the decal manually once you hit 3,000 mission points.
- Equip it under USA and Fleet in the customization menu.
Gaijin published the full details in the official War Thunder news post for the US Navy’s birthday. The event follows the October decal set and update 2.59.0.62.
