press room

“We are excited to welcome Ben to this year’s Muster,” said Museum Executive Director Grant Mann. “He is the perfect complement to this year’s theme, The Evolution of the SEAL Teams Through Time, given his connection to the SEAL community, and his great interest in and deep understanding of our history that spans more than seven decades.”

Mr. Milligan will be signing his new book at the Museum on November 6, available for purchase immediately following the Muster tactical demonstrations.
Ben Milligan became a US Navy SEAL in 2001 and served until 2009. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star in addition to other awards. A native of Indianapolis, Ben received a BA in History at Purdue University and an MA in International Relations at the University of San Diego. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his three sons. More than ten years in research and development, By Water Beneath the Walls: The Rise of the Navy SEALs is his first book.

To learn more about Muster 36, keynotes and other speakers, visit navysealmuseum.org/muster.

About the Muster and Music Festival
Since 1985, the Navy SEAL Museum has opened its doors on Veteran’s Day to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Military. Orchestrated and executed by the Museum staff and several dedicated volunteers, the Muster draws more than 10,000 guests each year, increasing visibility for the Museum’s mission, while helping to educate the public about the warriors who preserve our freedom. Family-friendly and suitable for all ages, Muster is the perfect community outreach for the public to experience all the Museum has to offer through influential keynote speakers, live tactical demonstrations, canine deployments, and interaction with participating military personnel.

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.