Some SEAL delivery methods include SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs), Navy surface ships, Special Warfare Combatant Craft, Diver Propulsion Devices, airborne insertion via fixed and rotary-winged aircraft, and tactical ground mobility vehicles.

Due to the complex nature of their work, the varied environments in which they operate, and the extensive tasks to which they are called, Navy SEALs require extensive support teams. This year’s Muster honors these strategic partners / force multipliers who ensure SEALs can complete the mission.

Strategic Partners:

Beginning in the Vietnam War, Navy SEALs relied heavily on additional units:

HC-1 squadrons, Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) THREE, HA(L)-3, nicknamed “Seawolves.” These volunteer Naval Aviators were officially established at Vũng Tàu, South Vietnam in April 1967.

U.S. Navy riverine forces supported SEALs with the “patrol boat: riverine,” or Navy PBR, was the first watercraft built for the so-called brown water navy in Vietnam.

U.S. Navy Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) NSW personnel who operate and maintain small craft for special operations missions, particularly those of U.S. Navy SEALs.

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

EOD Technicians train, prepare, and deploy to handle dangerous explosives and explosive devices. They “render safe” all types of ordnance, including improvised, chemical, biological, and nuclear.

TF-160 Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Night Stalkers provides aviation support for Special Operation Forces through airborne attack, assault, and reconnaissance, usually conducted at night and with short notice.

U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen (PJ) Pararescue elements form an integral component of a Special Operations Task Force and integrate easily with Navy SEAL Teams or Army Special Forces detachments.

U.S. Air Force Combat Control Teams (CCT) Combat Controllers are often assigned individually or as small teams to Navy SEAL teams and Army Special Forces. Combat Controllers are FAA certified air traffic controllers.

Other Government Agencies (OGA) Provide invaluable support as strategic partners for Navy SEALs to accomplish their missions and have worked closely with the SEAL Teams from the beginning to combat communism and terrorism.

SEALs rely not only on each other, but also on a host of military specialists for critical support in carrying out their missions on the sea, in the air, and on land. Here are a few of these specialists.

Navy Diver (ND), Cryptologic Technician (CT), Intelligence Specialist (IS), Information Systems Technician (IT), Parachute Rigger (PR), Hospital Corpsman (HM), Special Operations Aerial Delivery Element (SOADE).

The Navy SEAL Museum is committed to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Their story cannot be told, however, without appropriate acknowledgement of the Strategic Partners that lent to their successes–and those that continue to do so today.

You, our dedicated patrons and generous donors, also serve as Force Multipliers, enabling the Museum to execute our mission. Your teamwork is appreciated, and your support is invaluable.

38th Annual Muster Photo Gallery