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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAR Funding Facilitates Historic WWII Mine Transfer From Fort Pierce to Texas A&M for Conservation

Fort Pierce, Fla. – February 10, 2026 – The Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce has transported one of its most unique artifacts, a World War II Japanese Type JE training mine, to Texas A&M University for professional conservation and preservation treatment. This transfer marks an essential step in safeguarding one of the material witnesses to the origins of Naval Special Warfare. The mine, once used to train America’s pioneering combat demolition units, now advances into a new phase of preservation to ensure its story endures for generations.

The training mine, recovered from local waters in 2022, represents a pivotal chapter in the Navy’s early demolition history. The Museum resides on the training grounds of the original Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDU) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT). Here, men were trained to neutralize threats like this mine, now on display in the Museum’s WWII Gallery. Restoring the artifact honors that lineage and reinforces the Museum’s mission to preserve and share the heritage of Naval Special Warfare at its birthplace.

“Fort Pierce is the birthplace of Naval Special Warfare. Our Museum is located on the very site where the original Naval Combat Demolition Teams trained to take the beaches of Normandy, France,” said Executive Director Rick Kaiser, retired Navy SEAL. “This is hallowed ground, and we will preserve this Museum for generations to come so all people who visit have the opportunity to learn about honor, courage, commitment, and sacrifice. We are grateful for the support from DAR to help us with our mission.”

At Texas A&M, conservation experts will employ advanced laboratory techniques to remove decades of embedded salt, arrest corrosion, and stabilize the metal structure. Their work will ensure long-term preservation while maintaining the artifact’s historic integrity. Once complete, the restored mine will return to Fort Pierce, where it will serve as the centerpiece of an exhibit interpreting the hazardous demolition missions that shaped the Frogmen who paved the way for today’s Navy SEALs.

“The DAR Historic Preservation Grants empower local 501(c)(3) organizations such as the National Navy SEAL Museum to protect the places and stories that shape our nation’s identity,” said Cynthia Pritchard, NVC Historic Preservation Grants. “By investing in this vital work, DAR not only preserves our shared heritage—it ignites community pride, strengthens local connections, and amplifies a mission rooted in service, history, and hope for generations to come.”

The project received generous funding from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Historic Preservation Grant. This support allows the Museum not only to protect an irreplaceable artifact but also to expand public understanding of the courage, ingenuity, and sacrifice that define the Naval Special Warfare community.

About Daughters of the American Revolution
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. Learn more at www.dar.org.

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.