Monthly News and Intel | May 2025
A Message from Our Executive Director
Dear Museum Supporters,
The month of May holds profound meaning for the National Navy SEAL Museum.
As our nation observes National Military Appreciation Month, we pause to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by those who have defended our country and the freedoms we enjoy each day. We are continually reminded of the selfless service of our nation’s military and their families. Their courage and commitment inspire us to uphold our mission with honor and purpose.
Among the most significant observances this month is the Museum’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, to be held on Monday, May 26, at 9:00 AM. This solemn tribute, open to the public and offered at no cost, serves as a remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We welcome you and your family to join us for this meaningful occasion. Additional details are available on our website.
Last week, we were honored to return to the Ocean Reef community—a steadfast supporter of the Museum and its mission. On behalf of the entire Museum team, I extend thanks to all who participated in this impactful event benefiting our Trident House Charities Program. The experience was a powerful reminder that the spirit of service extends beyond the battlefield—carried forward by those who believe in and support our cause.
We are also proud to announce that the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will officially open to the public on October 4, 2025. Many years in the making, this expansion marks a milestone in our organization’s growth, broadening our reach on a national scale and expanding our engagement with new audiences. Located just across the bay from Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado—where all Navy SEALs are created and trained—our San Diego location will serve as a vital extension of our mission to preserve history, foster education, and inspire future generations.
Thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to welcoming you to the Navy SEAL Museum soon.
Very respectfully,
Master Chief Ken Corona, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum
Artifact of the Month
NCDU 27 on D-Day at Dog White
On June 6, 1944, as the first light crept over the English Channel, Naval Combat Demolition Unit 27 (NCDU 27) approached Dog White, a sector of Omaha Beach, aboard landing craft alongside elements of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. Their mission, part of the more prominent Operation Neptune, was crucial: to demolish beach obstacles—including Belgian Gates, hedgehogs, and teller mines—so that waves of infantry and armored vehicles could land with minimal obstruction.
The men of NCDU 27, composed of volunteers from the Navy’s Seabees and trained demolition specialists, landed amid chaos. As the ramps dropped, they waded through surf under withering German machine-gun fire from the bluffs above. Enemy fire raked the beach, hitting soldiers and sailors alike, including those carrying explosives.
Among the unit was Boatswain’s Mate Second Class James J. Dwyer, who was part of the demolition team carrying explosive charges. Despite incoming fire, Dwyer and his teammates worked swiftly and with precision to clear a 50-yard-wide gap through the heavily mined obstacle field. Charges were manually set and fused under direct fire—a deadly task vital to the invasion’s success.
NCDU 27 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary valor and effectiveness in the face of overwhelming odds. Their actions on Dog White were not only heroic but pivotal to the overall success of D-Day.
James J. Dwyer survived the war and continued his service, a living embodiment of the quiet courage and selfless dedication that defined these elite sailors. His role at Dog White remains a testament to the sacrifices made by the combat demolition men who laid the foundation—literally and figuratively—for the liberation of Europe.
Artifact of the Month
NCDU 27 on D-Day at Dog White
On June 6, 1944, as the first light crept over the English Channel, Naval Combat Demolition Unit 27 (NCDU 27) approached Dog White, a sector of Omaha Beach, aboard landing craft alongside elements of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division. Their mission, part of the more prominent Operation Neptune, was crucial: to demolish beach obstacles—including Belgian Gates, hedgehogs, and teller mines—so that waves of infantry and armored vehicles could land with minimal obstruction.
The men of NCDU 27, composed of volunteers from the Navy’s Seabees and trained demolition specialists, landed amid chaos. As the ramps dropped, they waded through surf under withering German machine-gun fire from the bluffs above. Enemy fire raked the beach, hitting soldiers and sailors alike, including those carrying explosives.
Among the unit was Boatswain’s Mate Second Class James J. Dwyer, who was part of the demolition team carrying explosive charges. Despite incoming fire, Dwyer and his teammates worked swiftly and with precision to clear a 50-yard-wide gap through the heavily mined obstacle field. Charges were manually set and fused under direct fire—a deadly task vital to the invasion’s success.
The landing on Dog White proved deadly. More than half of the men in NCDU 27 were either killed or wounded. Still, the team accomplished its primary objective: several gaps were cleared under direct enemy observation and fire, enabling follow-on forces to advance inland.
NCDU 27 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary valor and effectiveness in the face of overwhelming odds. Their actions on Dog White were not only heroic but pivotal to the overall success of D-Day.
James J. Dwyer survived the war and continued his service, a living embodiment of the quiet courage and selfless dedication that defined these elite sailors. His role at Dog White remains a testament to the sacrifices made by the combat demolition men who laid the foundation—literally and figuratively—for the liberation of Europe.
Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month in the United States. It’s an effort to raise awareness about the importance of military service and to remind all of us of the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
At the National Navy SEAL Museum, Military Appreciation Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the cost of freedom and to express our enduring gratitude for those who protect it. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our nation’s military.
Virtual Reality Moving Closer to Reality
Visitors to Navy SEAL Museum San Diego (NSMSD) will have over 10,000 sq/ft. of Navy SEAL history and heritage to explore with their general admission ticket. In addition to regular admission, however, NSMSD will offer an additional experience…the Navy SEAL Xperience where visitors will—as closely as technology will allow—feel what it is like to be on a real Navy SEAL mission.
To accomplish this mission, we’ve partnered with HAVIK, the go-to leader in virtual training environments that are used by special forces today. Their technology—usually geared towards military training—has been redeployed to the education space and offers the visitor a learning experience that will be truly unique. From mission planning to infil. Hostage rescue to extraction, all this awaits the intrepid Museum guest.
Want a sneak peek? Have a look at the video below.
(FYI, the Museum is much more built out than what you’ll see as some video was shot in 2024.)
Lead, Learn, Imagine:
SEAL Values Guide Career Day
Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired), Chief Executive Officer of the National Navy SEAL Museum, recently visited Imagine Schools at South Vero for Career Day.
As part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to education and community outreach, Kaiser spoke to students about leadership and the values that define the Navy SEAL Teams—honor, courage, character, commitment, and the U.S. Navy SEAL Ethos. He emphasized how these principles extend beyond the battlefield and can guide young people in their personal lives, academic journeys, and future careers.
This visit reflected the Museum’s broader mission to preserve the history of Naval Special Warfare while inspiring future generations through education and engagement. By participating in community events like Career Day, the Museum seeks to connect with students and encourage them to become leaders, patriots, and citizens of purpose.
Students asked thoughtful questions regarding the SEALs’ training, teamwork, and real-world missions. Through these conversations, they gained firsthand insight into the mindset, resilience, and dedication required of Navy SEALs—and how those same traits can empower them in everyday life.
Lead, Learn, Imagine:
SEAL Values Guide Career Day
Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired), Chief Executive Officer of the National Navy SEAL Museum, recently visited Imagine Schools at South Vero for Career Day.
As part of the Museum’s ongoing commitment to education and community outreach, Kaiser spoke to students about leadership and the values that define the Navy SEAL Teams—honor, courage, character, commitment, and the U.S. Navy SEAL Ethos. He emphasized how these principles extend beyond the battlefield and can guide young people in their personal lives, academic journeys, and future careers.
This visit reflected the Museum’s broader mission to preserve the history of Naval Special Warfare while inspiring future generations through education and engagement.
Students asked thoughtful questions regarding the SEALs’ training, teamwork, and real-world missions. Through these conversations, they gained firsthand insight into the mindset, resilience, and dedication required of Navy SEALs—and how those same traits can empower them in everyday life.
SEAL Team Ocean Reef
The Navy SEAL Museum was honored to return to Ocean Reef last week. A sincere thank you to all who joined us in support of our Trident House Charities Program. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SEAL Team Ocean Reef for hosting another exceptional gathering that fostered patriotism, camaraderie, and meaningful connection. Our weekend at Ocean Reef was filled with exciting events, including a golf tournament, fishing tournament, Shoot with the SEALs, Veterans Breakfast, live demonstration, and elegant evening dinners.
A heartfelt thank you to Mary and John Lee for their unwavering commitment to the Museum’s mission and their steadfast dedication to the SEAL community. Your generosity and support are immeasurable.
We are also incredibly grateful to Jack Daniel’s, MarineMax Ocean Reef, the Frog X Parachute Team, Tailored Arms, and Airborne Tactical Training Solutions. Your dedication and partnership played a vital role in the success of this event.
Thanks to your generosity, we are able to sustain impactful outreach through all four branches of the Trident House Charities Program. We are deeply grateful for the support of SEAL Team Ocean Reef, whose vision and dedication make this extraordinary event possible. Your support empowers us to educate, preserve history, and honor the legacy of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
Dogs of the K9 Project
From Battlefield to Homebase
Join us at the Navy SEAL Museum to meet the men and their dogs from the Museum’s K9 Project. Discover the life-changing bond between Special Operators and their canine companions. Included with your paid admission to the Museum, Dogs of the K9 Project is an unforgettable experience designed for all ages.
This interactive event is offered at the Museum’s Obstacle Course Bleachers at 12:00 PM on the following dates:
June 5 | July 3 | August 7 | September 4 | October 2 | November 6 | December 4
The Navy SEAL Museum’s K9 Project facilitates the transition from military service to civilian life by providing service dogs to veterans. It is one of four charitable outreaches of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program.
Come experience firsthand the extraordinary partnership between Special Operators and their K9 partners. We look forward to welcoming you.
Memorial Day at the Museum
Memorial Day is approaching. Please join us for the National Navy SEAL Museum’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26, at 9:00 AM, as we come together in solemn observance of this sacred day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Each year, we gather in remembrance of the brave servicemen and women who gave their lives in defense of our freedom, ensuring that their legacy lives on.
The day will begin with a Flag Retirement Ceremony at 8:00 AM, followed by the official Memorial Day Ceremony at 9:00 AM, featuring a keynote address by Rear Admiral (SEAL) Pete Vasely, USN.
The ceremony is open to the public and free of charge. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and take part in this meaningful tribute. The Museum will be open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with complimentary admission for all visitors.
We welcome attendees of all ages to join us in honoring the fallen.
Please visit our Memorial Day Ceremony event page for more information and to view the official event program.
The Navy SEAL Museum Returns to The Windy City
Join the Navy SEAL Museum in Chicago this summer for Two Evenings of Valor, in support of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program.
These two evenings will offer guests the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers, enjoy engaging panel discussions, witness a tactical demonstration, and participate in elegant dinners and auctions—all while supporting the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program.
We extend our sincere thanks to the exceptional host committee whose support and dedication make this event possible:
Linda and Peter Arts
Sheila and Jim Clary
Patty and Peter Garvy
Sandy and Gary Fencik
Silvia and Steve Fitzgerald
Anna and Bill Kelly
Linda and Ted Neely
Marla and Mitch Wilneff
To learn more, explore sponsorship opportunities, and reserve your tickets, please visit our event page here.
Keep in step with us across the States. Sign up for our San Diego SITREP, as well.
