Monthly News and Intel | August 2025
A Message from Our Executive Director
Museum Friends,
The Museum has experienced a dynamic summer season. As we reflect on the excitement of the past few months, I would like to thank all Museum supporters for being part of our family. Whether you visited the Museum, attended an event, or simply followed us along on the journey, we are immensely grateful to have you with us.
Last month, the Museum returned as a beneficiary of Swim With A Mission (SWAM) in New Hampshire for the ninth consecutive year. I would like to sincerely thank Museum Board Members Julie and Phil Taub for their generosity to the Museum and their unwavering commitment to the Naval Special Warfare community.
The Navy SEAL Museum also features a blog, NSW Historical Perspectives. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore it on our website to read original contributions by retired Navy SEAL Tom Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins has dedicated a significant portion of his career to preserving the written history of Naval Special Warfare, generously sharing his expertise with the Museum for the educational benefit of all.
The Museum is gearing up for our 40th Annual Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music Festival. Join us in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum on November 7 and 8, 2025. Early registration is now open for the 21st Annual Navy SEAL Museum 5K Beach Challenge. Enter now to secure your spot. The weekend promises patriotic fun for the entire family. Please visit our website for further details.
As the Navy SEAL Museum enters a robust fall season—welcoming more visitors, hosting special events, and offering exclusive educational programs—we stand in humble anticipation of the opening of our San Diego location on October 4, 2025. Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will serve as an extension of our mission and impact, spanning new coasts and inspiring new audiences.
Without dedicated supporters like you, none of this would be possible. The Navy SEAL Museum remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, while caring for these warriors and their families. Our mission would not exist without the sacrifice of these elite warriors—and it would not endure without your gracious support.
Very respectfully,
Master Chief Ken Corona, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum
BM3 Warren “Fins” Foley is seen at the left in this photograph.
While the Yeosu tunnel operation was flawed, UDT men went on to damage or destroy many railway and tunnel lines of communication throughout the Korean War.
Korean War – August 1950
UDT’s First Combat Action
By Tom Hawkins
On 23 June 1950, U.N. observers inspecting the border area between North and South Korea saw nothing amiss. In a stunning surprise just two days later on the 25th of June, the full force of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) crossed the 38th parallel and declared war on South Korea. On 27 June, the U.N. Security Council authorized use of force to defend South Korea.
During this period, UDT-3 LTjg George Atcheson was in Japan leading a 10-man detachment when war was declared. He and his men left for Korea immediately.
Under cover of darkness on the night of 5 August 1950, this small detachment infiltrated the Korean shoreline from the destroyer USS Diachenko (APD-123) aboard rubber inflatable boats. Their objective was to damage or destroy a railway and bridge tunnel under North Korean control near the port city of Yeosu.
BM3 Warren “Fins” Foley accompanied LTjg Atcheson as they swam through the swift current some 200 yards ahead of their boats as swimmer scouts. They climbed up a 35-foot seawall just below the target and conducted a quick reconnaissance. Seeing no one, they signaled the remainder of the team to bring the explosives ashore. Without warning, North Korean soldiers came out of the tunnel and opened fire. Foley was wounded in the ensuing gunfight and tumbled over the seawall. LTjg Atcheson lobbed hand grenades at the North Koreans to give the men time for recovery and return to Diachenko. Foley ended up with a smashed kneecap and bullet wounds in his hand and thigh. He was the first Navy casualty of the Korean War.
Additional UDT personnel quickly began arriving and were committed to a continuation of expanding new missions involving nighttime coastal demolition raids. In the words of UDT Lieutenant Ted Fielding, the UDT men were given the task because, “We were ready to do what nobody else could do, and what nobody else wanted to do.”
The Korean War became a pivotal time in UDT history, since it presented a stage for demonstrating their versatility and flexibility. If only temporary, traditional UDT doctrinal roles were greatly expanded. In addition to amphibious reconnaissance and assault beach obstacle clearance, the scope of the UDT mission now included clandestine infiltrations from the sea for the purpose of conducting raids and attacking enemy shipping and port and harbor facilities, information gathering, mine and ordnance disposal, providing cover for withdrawing friendly forces, and rescuing downed airmen. The UDT men worked in conjunction with CIA personnel, U.S. Marine Reconnaissance operators, Royal Marine Commandos, and South Korean naval commandos.
UDT men conducted an astonishing number of land-combat operations for which they had not been previously trained or equipped. Regardless of their success, it would be quickly realized that the post-war Navy was not willing to expand the doctrinal status of the UDTs in response to Cold War realities. As far as the Amphibious Force was concerned, continued training within a World War II mission profile context was sufficient. Hence, the UDTs were never given the authority, budget, equipment, training, and means to retain or attain expanded land-focused direct-action capabilities.
Throughout the Korean War, UDT men demonstrated extreme capability and determination. Land direct actions, by their very nature, and within the context of Naval Special Warfare, really didn’t take root until the establishment of the SEAL Teams in January 1962.
Good Resources:
“Korea Remembered: Enough of War!,” by Charles F. Cole, © 1995, Yucca Tree Press, (p. 227-267).
“In the Devil’s Shadow: U.N. Special Operations During the Korean War,” by Michael Haas, © 2000, Naval Institute Press.
BM3 Warren “Fins” Foley is seen at the left in this photograph.
Korean War – August 1950
UDT’s First Combat Action
By Tom Hawkins
On 23 June 1950, U.N. observers inspecting the border area between North and South Korea saw nothing amiss. In a stunning surprise just two days later on the 25th of June, the full force of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) crossed the 38th parallel and declared war on South Korea. On 27 June, the U.N. Security Council authorized use of force to defend South Korea.
During this period, UDT-3 LTjg George Atcheson was in Japan leading a 10-man detachment when war was declared. He and his men left for Korea immediately.
Under cover of darkness on the night of 5 August 1950, this small detachment infiltrated the Korean shoreline from the destroyer USS Diachenko (APD-123) aboard rubber inflatable boats. Their objective was to damage or destroy a railway and bridge tunnel under North Korean control near the port city of Yeosu.
BM3 Warren “Fins” Foley accompanied LTjg Atcheson as they swam through the swift current some 200 yards ahead of their boats as swimmer scouts. They climbed up a 35-foot seawall just below the target and conducted a quick reconnaissance. Seeing no one, they signaled the remainder of the team to bring the explosives ashore. Without warning, North Korean soldiers came out of the tunnel and opened fire. Foley was wounded in the ensuing gunfight and tumbled over the seawall. LTjg Atcheson lobbed hand grenades at the North Koreans to give the men time for recovery and return to Diachenko. Foley ended up with a smashed kneecap and bullet wounds in his hand and thigh. He was the first Navy casualty of the Korean War.
Additional UDT personnel quickly began arriving and were committed to a continuation of expanding new missions involving nighttime coastal demolition raids. In the words of UDT Lieutenant Ted Fielding, the UDT men were given the task because, “We were ready to do what nobody else could do, and what nobody else wanted to do.”
The Korean War became a pivotal time in UDT history, since it presented a stage for demonstrating their versatility and flexibility. If only temporary, traditional UDT doctrinal roles were greatly expanded. In addition to amphibious reconnaissance and assault beach obstacle clearance, the scope of the UDT mission now included clandestine infiltrations from the sea for the purpose of conducting raids and attacking enemy shipping and port and harbor facilities, information gathering, mine and ordnance disposal, providing cover for withdrawing friendly forces, and rescuing downed airmen. The UDT men worked in conjunction with CIA personnel, U.S. Marine Reconnaissance operators, Royal Marine Commandos, and South Korean naval commandos.
UDT men conducted an astonishing number of land-combat operations for which they had not been previously trained or equipped. Regardless of their success, it would be quickly realized that the post-war Navy was not willing to expand the doctrinal status of the UDTs in response to Cold War realities. As far as the Amphibious Force was concerned, continued training within a World War II mission profile context was sufficient. Hence, the UDTs were never given the authority, budget, equipment, training, and means to retain or attain expanded land-focused direct-action capabilities.
Throughout the Korean War, UDT men demonstrated extreme capability and determination. Land direct actions, by their very nature, and within the context of Naval Special Warfare, really didn’t take root until the establishment of the SEAL Teams in January 1962.
Good Resources:
“Korea Remembered: Enough of War!,” by Charles F. Cole, © 1995, Yucca Tree Press, (p. 227-267).
“In the Devil’s Shadow: U.N. Special Operations During the Korean War,” by Michael Haas, © 2000, Naval Institute Press.
While the Yeosu tunnel operation was flawed, UDT men went on to damage or destroy many railway and tunnel lines of communication throughout the Korean War.
The Museum Honors and
Preserves History
During the Vietnam War, HA(L)-3 (Helicopter Attack Squadron Light 3), nicknamed Seawolves, was an all-volunteer U.S. Navy helicopter squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations. These squadrons were experts in quick-reaction, close air support, and known for going where others dared not tread. This one-of-a-kind naval aviation unit played a major role in the American-led campaign to deny Viet Cong use of all important waterways in the Vietnam Delta regions.
HA(L)-3 pilots began flying heavily armed Bell Aviation UH-1B and UH-1M Huey helicopters. Nicknamed “Seawolves,” they commenced providing rapid reaction close air support to a host of Navy craft and often provided dedicated armed reconnaissance and fire support to Navy SEALs. Indeed, SEALs and Seawolves became an inseparable and dominating warrior team in areas where they were co-located.
In 2024, the Museum refurbished a UH-1B Huey helicopter to be included in the Museum’s collections—an original Huey flown by Seawolves during the Vietnam War.
Unable to attend the VIP Seawolves event in October 2024, following a campaign to refurbish the UH-1B Huey, Charlie Morris traveled from Ohio to Fort Pierce, Florida, to visit the Museum and reconnect with his history, alongside his family.
Mr. Morris voluntarily served as a Seawolf in Vietnam from 1970-1971. He experienced the Seawolf statue (created by local artist Charlie Sembler), signing his name among those of his Seawolf brothers. Charlie was a crew chief and a gunner on a Sealord helicopter. “It was an honor to be part of the Seawolves, and a very special honor to work with the SEALs. Sharing the story with my family, and showing them the story of the SEALs, was very special to me.”
This moment was a powerful reminder of why the Museum exists.
In honor of all the men who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we thank you. Your legacy lives on here.
The Museum Honors and Preserves History
During the Vietnam War, HA(L)-3 (Helicopter Attack Squadron Light 3), nicknamed Seawolves, was an all-volunteer U.S. Navy helicopter squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations. These squadrons were experts in quick-reaction, close air support, and known for going where others dared not tread. This one-of-a-kind naval aviation unit played a major role in the American-led campaign to deny Viet Cong use of all important waterways in the Vietnam Delta regions.
HA(L)-3 pilots began flying heavily armed Bell Aviation UH-1B and UH-1M Huey helicopters. Nicknamed “Seawolves,” they commenced providing rapid reaction close air support to a host of Navy craft and often provided dedicated armed reconnaissance and fire support to Navy SEALs. Indeed, SEALs and Seawolves became an inseparable and dominating warrior team in areas where they were co-located.
In 2024, the Museum refurbished a UH-1B Huey helicopter to be included in the Museum’s collections—an original Huey flown by Seawolves during the Vietnam War.
Unable to attend the VIP Seawolves event in October 2024, following a campaign to refurbish the UH-1B Huey, Charlie Morris traveled from Ohio to Fort Pierce, Florida, to visit the Museum and reconnect with his history, alongside his family. Mr. Morris voluntarily served as a Seawolf in Vietnam from 1970-1971. He experienced the Seawolf statue (created by local artist Charlie Sembler), signing his name among those of his Seawolf brothers. Charlie was a crew chief and a gunner on a Sealord helicopter. “It was an honor to be part of the Seawolves, and a very special honor to work with the SEALs. Sharing the story with my family, and showing them the story of the SEALs, was very special to me.”
This moment was a powerful reminder of why the Museum exists.
In honor of all the men who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we thank you. Your legacy lives on here.
A Testimony to the Scholarship Program
This testimony is a powerful reflection of the impact the Museum’s Scholarship Program has on Special Operators and their families.
The Navy SEAL Museum’s Scholarship Program offers gifts in various amounts to the children of Special Operators for their private and higher education.
We are grateful for the partnership of the Marlee Foundation, Trident Tuition Funds, and the Ernest and Suzanne Litty Scholarship Fund, which has allowed the Museum to award nearly 2 million dollars in scholarships to date.
The generosity of our partners and benefactors allows children like Brielle educational options.
We’re Inbound
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego seeks to educate, engage, and inspire visitors from around the globe.
Through immersive exhibits and one-on-one interaction with NSMSD’s docents of retired NSW operators, guests will learn firsthand the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, while gaining greater understanding of the sacrifice shared by all military personnel.
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego aspires to make a positive impact on the nation, by telling the story of the world’s premier maritime special operations force through timeless principles that inspire service and personal excellence in all walks of life.
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will open to the public October 4, 2025.
Videography and Editing by Shine A Light Films
Paris to Pointe du Hoc –
Live the History
The Navy SEAL Museum is honored to partner again with the World War II Museum to offer our members and friends the historic trip of a lifetime.
PARIS TO POINTE DU HOC, A voyage along the Seine River to the Beaches of Normandy, is an exclusive opportunity to experience history up close, with personal narratives from expert historians. Ben Milligan, retired Navy SEAL and author of By Water Beneath the Walls, and James Holland, WWII historian and best-selling author of Brothers in Arms & Normandy ’44, team up to provide guests an exceptional tour October 25 through November 2, 2026.
Travelers will cruise the Seine River from Paris to Rouen, then explore D-Day history along the French coast, honoring and remembering the stories of the heroes to whom we owe so much.
Space is strictly limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Paris to Pointe du Hoc –
Live the History
The Navy SEAL Museum is honored to partner again with the World War II Museum to offer our members and friends the historic trip of a lifetime.
PARIS TO POINTE DU HOC, A voyage along the Seine River to the Beaches of Normandy, is an exclusive opportunity to experience history up close, with personal narratives from expert historians. Ben Milligan, retired Navy SEAL and author of By Water Beneath the Walls, and James Holland, WWII historian and best-selling author of Brothers in Arms & Normandy ’44, team up to provide guests an exceptional tour October 25 through November 2, 2026.
Travelers will cruise the Seine River from Paris to Rouen, then explore D-Day history along the French coast, honoring and remembering the stories of the heroes to whom we owe so much.
Space is strictly limited. Early registration is encouraged.
SWCC Plank Owner Campaign is a Success
The SWCC Plank Owner Campaign was launched with a singular mission: to share the story of the Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC). Known as “The Silent Ones,” these renowned boat operators spearheaded the campaign with exceptional precision, remarkable speed, and a spirit of courageous generosity that sets them apart as the world’s foremost maritime specialists.
To date, all three Eras and 61 SWCC Classes met target. Over $165,000 was raised and 315 SWCC operators, friends, and family from around the country made a gift.
One donor, a SWCC instructor, felt compelled to give because of the reverence he had for all the operators he met and taught. And many SWCC operators gave to pay tribute to the memory of fellow teammates and brothers.
Once the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Showcase Exhibition is up and open, the SWCC Plank Owner plaque—etched with the Eras and Classes who made it—will be seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Click the video below
SWCC Plank Owner Campaign
is a Success
The SWCC Plank Owner Campaign was launched with a singular mission: to share the story of the Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC). Known as “The Silent Ones,” these renowned boat operators spearheaded the campaign with exceptional precision, remarkable speed, and a spirit of courageous generosity that sets them apart as the world’s foremost maritime specialists.
To date, all three Eras and 61 SWCC Classes met target. Over $165,000 was raised and 315 SWCC operators, friends, and family from around the country made a gift.
One donor, a SWCC instructor, felt compelled to give because of the reverence he had for all the operators he met and taught. And many SWCC operators gave to pay tribute to the memory of fellow teammates and brothers.
Once the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Showcase Exhibition is up and open, the SWCC Plank Owner plaque—etched with the Eras and Classes who made it—will be seen by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Click the video below
Rendering for illustrative purposes only. Final design, materials, and layout are subject to change.
Education Beyond the Classroom
The National Navy SEAL Museum remains committed to promoting public education.
Back-to-school season is here. Make a visit to the Navy SEAL Museum part of your fall plans—because education doesn’t have to end when the school day does.
As the only museum solely dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, the National Navy SEAL Museum offers an educational experience like no other.
The Navy SEAL Museum’s exhibits are interactive—climb into the “Black Hawk” helicopter, try holding your breath like a Frogman at the knot-tying station, and test your skills on the O-Course, modeled after the Obstacle Course in Coronado, which all BUD/S candidates are required to master.
Education is not confined to the classroom—visit the Museum and explore the history of Naval Special Warfare.
The 9th Annual Swim With A Mission
The Navy SEAL Museum extends its sincere gratitude to Swim With A Mission for their hospitality in New Hampshire and for their continued support of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program.
Our deepest thanks to Museum Board members Julie and Phil Taub for their steadfast commitment to the Museum and to the veteran community at large.
The 9th Annual Swim With A Mission was an inspiring weekend of community, philanthropy, and military appreciation, where the heroes who defend our great country are recognized and revered for their service and sacrifice.
To view the full event gallery, visit our Swim With A Mission event page.
The 40th Annual Navy SEAL Museum Muster and
Music Festival
Join the Navy SEAL Museum for Muster this year as we celebrate a momentous milestone—the 40th Anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum.
Come together for a celebratory weekend honoring the service of our military.
Enjoy a live Navy SEAL Tactical Demonstration, a special keynote speaker, a meet and greet with Navy SEALs, and festive family fun. This event brings together the spirit of community—both military and civilian.
Visit our event page for more details.
The 21st Annual Muster
5K Beach Challenge
Run or walk one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida’s east coast–on the sacred ground where the forerunners to today’s Navy SEALs trained for the beaches of Normandy. The 3.1-mile out-and-back beach course will start and finish on Navy SEAL Museum property on the north lawn at the Mark V Special Operations Craft. Come test your mettle on our beach course before finishing at this historic artifact.
Registration is now open. Secure your spot now.
Early Registration $25
Beginning Monday, July 28, 2025 through Monday, September 1, 2025
Standard Registration $30
Beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025 through Sunday, October 12, 2025
Ongoing Registration $35
Beginning Monday, October 13, 2025 through Sunday, November 2, 2025
Last Chance Registration – Race Week $40
Beginning Monday, November 3, 2025 through Friday, November 7, 2025
Race Day Registration
November 8 – $50
Active duty military and first responders are $25 with identification.
The 40th Annual Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music Festival
Join the Navy SEAL Museum for Muster this year as we celebrate a momentous milestone—the 40th Anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum.
Come together for a celebratory weekend honoring the service of our military.
Enjoy a live Navy SEAL Tactical Demonstration, a special keynote speaker, a meet and greet with Navy SEALs, and festive family fun. This event brings together the spirit of community—both military and civilian.
Visit our event page for more details.
The 21st Annual Muster 5K Beach Challenge
Run or walk one of the most beautiful beaches on Florida’s east coast–on the sacred ground where the forerunners to today’s Navy SEALs trained for the beaches of Normandy. The 3.1-mile out-and-back beach course will start and finish on Navy SEAL Museum property on the north lawn at the Mark V Special Operations Craft. Come test your mettle on our beach course before finishing at this historic artifact.
Registration is now open. Secure your spot now.
Early Registration $25
Beginning Monday, July 28, 2025 through Monday, September 1, 2025
Standard Registration $30
Beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025 through Sunday, October 12, 2025
Ongoing Registration $35
Beginning Monday, October 13, 2025 through Sunday, November 2, 2025
Last Chance Registration – Race Week $40
Beginning Monday, November 3, 2025 through Friday, November 7, 2025
Race Day Registration
November 8 – $50
Active duty military and first responders are $25 with identification.
Anytime is the right time to give the gift of NSW History!
Do you have a history buff in your household? Do you have a current or former NSW operator in your life?
Did you know that Navy SEAL Museum’s photo archives are online to view and available for sale?
Check out our online library and search key words to find the right image for you or a loved one.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
Anytime is the right time to give the gift of NSW History!
Do you have a history buff in your household? Do you have a current or former NSW operator in your life?
Did you know that Navy SEAL Museum’s photo archives are online to view and available for sale?
Check out our online library and search key words to find the right image for you or a loved one.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
Keep in step with us across the States. Sign up for our San Diego SITREP, as well.
