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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Navy SEAL Museum Appoints Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski, USN (Retired), as New CEO, Ushering in a Bold Era of Strategic Growth

Fort Pierce, FL & San Diego, CA – November 4, 2025 – The National Navy SEAL Museum proudly announces the appointment of Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.) as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing both its East Coast flagship in Fort Pierce, Florida and its dynamic West Coast counterpart in San Diego, California.

This visionary leadership transition reflects the Museum’s steadfast commitment to growth, innovation, and deepening public engagement with the extraordinary legacy of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Vice Admiral Szymanski, whose distinguished naval career spans decades of service and leadership within Naval Special Warfare, brings unparalleled perspective and strategic vision to the dual-coastal institution. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter that will amplify the Museum’s mission, reach, and impact.

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired), who has faithfully served as CEO and at the forefront of the Museum’s national expansion, will continue his leadership as Executive Director of the Fort Pierce location. With a renewed focus on East Coast-based initiatives, Kaiser will spearhead innovative programming, partnerships, and educational outreach that reflect the Museum’s evolving role in preserving and honoring the heritage of Naval Special Warfare.

“This transition allows us to sharpen our efforts coast to coast,” said Master Chief Kaiser. “With Vice Admiral Szymanski leading nationally and Captain Brian ‘Beef’ Drechsler driving growth in San Diego, I’m excited to return my full attention to creating transformative experiences in Fort Pierce—where the legacy of Naval Special Warfare was born.”

Captain (SEAL) Brian “Beef” Drechsler, USN (Retired) will continue his role as Executive Director of the San Diego Museum, leading West Coast operations with passion and expertise, ensuring continuity and momentum as the Museum continues to evolve as a national institution with international presence. Together, this triad of elite leadership—Szymanski, Kaiser, and Drechsler—positions the National Navy SEAL Museum for unprecedented growth, ensuring the history, heritage, service, and sacrifice of Naval Special Warfare is honored, preserved, and handed down to future generations.

“We are poised to elevate the Museum’s impact on a national scale,” said Vice Admiral Szymanski. “It is an honor to serve in this capacity and build upon the solid foundation laid by Master Chief Kaiser. Our mission is not only to preserve history, but to inspire, educate, and connect with Americans across the nation–and with visitors and friends from around the world.”

The Board of Trustees of the National Navy SEAL Museum expresses its deep gratitude to Mr. Kaiser for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication for more than a decade and welcomes Vice Admiral Szymanski, USN (Ret.) with great enthusiasm as the Museum advances into a bold, united future.

About Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Fort Pierce is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Built on the original training grounds of the first Navy combat divers, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce opened its doors on Veterans Day in 1985.

From humble beginnings, the Museum has experienced tremendous growth, achieving national stature in 2007. Continuing a legacy of preservation and inspiration, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opened in October of 2025.

The Museum remains committed to the promotion of public education by providing the opportunity to explore Naval Special Warfare history through interactive exhibits, while honoring the fallen at the SEAL Memorial, and caring for Naval Special Warfare families through its various charitable outreach initiatives.

For more information, visit NavySEALMuseum.org.

About Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego inspires visitors through the powerful story of Naval Special Warfare told through immersive exhibits, state of the art galleries, education, and remembrance. More than a museum, it is an active community partner dedicated to fostering purpose, resilience, and service beyond self.

Through the timeless traits of service, commitment, discipline, and responsibility, and guided by the SEAL Ethos and Special Warfare Combat Crewman Creed, the museum highlights how continual training and adaptability drive mission success and innovation. The experience culminates in a call to action: to serve something greater than oneself, whether through country, community, or neighbor.

Building on the legacy of the Fort Pierce, Florida, location, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego honors the past, supports today’s operators and their families, and inspires future generations to make a lasting impact.

For more information, visit NavySEALMuseumSD.org