Monthly News and Intel | September 2025

A Message from Our Executive Director

Museum Community,

Whether you have served, know someone who has, or are simply fascinated by the history of Naval Special Warfare, the Navy SEAL Museum offers something meaningful for every visitor. This fall, we look forward to welcoming you as we continue to share new exhibits, educational programs, and unique experiences.

Next month, we are profoundly grateful to celebrate the grand opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego on October 4, 2025. This milestone marks a new chapter—one made possible only through your commitment and support. The growth and impact of the Museum have been achieved because of you, and our gratitude to our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and followers cannot be overstated. Together, we will continue to further the Museum’s mission: to preserve the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors; to promote public education by providing opportunities to explore the history of Naval Special Warfare; to honor our fallen on the black granite walls of the Navy SEAL Memorial; and to care for our families through the Trident House Charities Program.

Looking ahead, the 40th Annual Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music Festival will be held on November 7 and 8. Visit our website for the full schedule of events, membership dinner details, rifle raffle information, and more. We look forward to welcoming both old friends and new.

With sincere appreciation,
Master Chief Ken Corona, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum

The First Deployed Naval Combat Demolition Unit
The Aleutian Islands Campaign

By Tom Hawkins

During early World War II, the Aleutian Islands were part of the United States Territory of Alaska. They were invaded by the Japanese Navy as part of their Aleutian Islands Campaign on 3 and 4 June 1942. They bombed Dutch Harbor in the city of Unalaska, killing 43 Americans. Some days later, an estimated 6,000–7,000 Japanese troops landed on and occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska. These were the only foreign invasions of the United States during World War II, and the first foreign occupation of the United States since the War of 1812.

The Japanese surmised that control of the Aleutians would prevent a possible United States attack against them from across the Northern Pacific. Similarly, the United States reckoned that the Japanese would use these islands as forward-operating bases from which to launch air strikes on cities like Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, or Los Angeles. The islands also had strategic value because of their potential to control Northern Pacific transportation routes.

A small Japanese force occupied Attu and Kiska, where the remoteness of the islands and the challenges of weather and terrain delayed a larger United States and Canadian air and amphibious assault to remove Japanese forces from both islands. An attack on Attu was launched on 11 May 1943 and completed on 29 May. The attack on Kiska was launched on 15 August 1943, only to discover that the Japanese had withdrawn from the island.

The Kiska operation would become a significant milestone in the history of Naval Special Warfare, since it was the first combat assignment for a Naval Combat Demolition Unit. Designated NCDU 152-A1 (later NCDU-1), Ensign Edwin S. Williams and his five men were the first combat-deployed NCDU. They were members of the first NCDU class being trained at the Amphibious Training Base, Fort Pierce,

The First Deployed Naval
Combat Demolition Unit
The Aleutian Islands Campaign

By Tom Hawkins

During early World War II, the Aleutian Islands were part of the United States Territory of Alaska. They were invaded by the Japanese Navy as part of their Aleutian Islands Campaign on 3 and 4 June 1942. They bombed Dutch Harbor in the city of Unalaska, killing 43 Americans. Some days later, an estimated 6,000–7,000 Japanese troops landed on and occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska. These were the only foreign invasions of the United States during World War II, and the first foreign occupation of the United States since the War of 1812.

The Japanese surmised that control of the Aleutians would prevent a possible United States attack against them from across the Northern Pacific. Similarly, the United States reckoned that the Japanese would use these islands as forward-operating bases from which to launch air strikes on cities like Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, or Los Angeles. The islands also had strategic value because of their potential to control Northern Pacific transportation routes.

A small Japanese force occupied Attu and Kiska, where the remoteness of the islands and the challenges of weather and terrain delayed a larger United States and Canadian air and amphibious assault to remove Japanese forces from both islands. An attack on Attu was launched on 11 May 1943 and completed on 29 May. The attack on Kiska was launched on 15 August 1943, only to discover that the Japanese had withdrawn from the island.

The Kiska operation would become a significant milestone in the history of Naval Special Warfare, since it was the first combat assignment for a Naval Combat Demolition Unit. Designated NCDU 152-A1 (later NCDU-1), Ensign Edwin S. Williams and his five men were the first combat-deployed NCDU. They were members of the first NCDU class being trained at the Amphibious Training Base, Fort Pierce, Florida, beginning in June 1943. The men were deployed from Fort Pierce on 2 July 1943. They were bound for the Naval Air Station at Mare Island, California, under secret orders for further transport to the Aleutians. Because of a snafu upon arriving at Mare Island, however, the men never made it to Kiska in time for the assault. Nevertheless, they were able to assist significantly for the next three months, performing rock blasting and cold-water tasks at Adak. The men were subsequently ordered to Hawaii, where they were merged into the first Underwater Demolition Teams organized in the Pacific during December 1943.

Facts and Figures

Since 2015, the Navy SEAL Museum has been serving nationwide through our charitable outreach to families in need. Our Trident House Charities Program offers comprehensive support to the Special Operations community through four key initiatives: the Trident House, the Scholarship Program, the K9 Project, and Direct Family Support. Learn more about each pillar on our website.

Join Us for an Evening with Jack Carr

The National Navy SEAL Museum is partnering with the Vero Beach Book Center to bring you an exclusive author event on Friday, October 10, at 6:00 PM.

Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author and retired Navy SEAL, will premiere his new novel, Cry Havoc, being released on October 7.

Jack Carr will be introduced by friend and CEO of the Navy SEAL Museum, Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired).

Join us for an exclusive evening featuring Jack Carr’s newest release, a special lecture, professional photo opportunity, and more.

A copy of Cry Havoc will be included with your ticket purchase. You will receive your ticket and pre-signed book at the event.

Space is limited. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Vero Beach Book Center at (772) 569-2050.

8/20 Donor Evening

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego hosted an intimate donor evening in the almost-completed Showcase on 20 AUG. Guests were treated to an exquisite cocktail reception followed by SEAL-led tours of the exhibition space and a three-course meal from Crown Point Catering.

The highlight of the evening included keynote speaker, former POW Jessica Lynch, along with her Navy SEAL and USAF rescuers. It was an inspirational evening, and one that left each attendee with profound gratitude for the brave warriors who selflessly serve with steadfast fortitude.

Jessica Lynch and her Navy SEAL and USAF rescuers were reunited this evening for the first time since the historic mission.

Their reunion is a powerful reminder of why the Museum exists. The Museum is not only dedicated to preserving history, but also to serving as a center for community outreach and connection.

In addition to preserving the history and heritage of Naval Special Warfare, the Museum is a place of fellowship—a space that unites people through shared stories and experiences of courage and sacrifice.
Jessica Lynch was the first American prisoner of war successfully rescued since World War II. She was awarded the Bronze Star, Prisoner of War, and Purple Heart Medals.

Photography by Terri Rippee.

Plan Your Mission

Tickets for Navy SEAL Museum San Diego are now available online.

Minutes from where today’s SEALs are forged, the Museum will offer unparalleled insight into the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Here, stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience come to life—inviting visitors to be inspired through timeless principles that inspire service and personal excellence in all walks of life.

Plan your mission today. Purchase your tickets online in advance and dive into the history of Naval Special Warfare.

The opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego represents an expansion of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce into San Diego, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Navy SEAL heritage in two cities prominent to their lineage. The National Navy SEAL Museum is: One Museum, One Mission, Two Locations.

As we approach the opening of our San Diego location, we reflect on the last 40 years of the preservation of history and heritage at the Navy SEAL Museum from the beaches of Fort Pierce, where Naval Special Warfare began.

One Museum, One Mission,
Two Locations

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will open to the public on October 4, 2025.

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will bring the Navy SEAL story to life through educational exhibitions, retired Navy SEAL docents, sensory interactive experiences, virtual reality environments, and community engagement impact programs.

The opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego represents an expansion of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce into San Diego, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Navy SEAL heritage in two cities prominent to their lineage. The National Navy SEAL Museum is: One Museum, One Mission, Two Locations.

As we approach the opening of our San Diego location, we reflect on the last 40 years of the preservation of history and heritage at the Navy SEAL Museum from the beaches of Fort Pierce, where Naval Special Warfare began.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf Premiere

The National Navy SEAL Museum was honored to attend the premiere of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf in Los Angeles last month.

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired), CEO of the National Navy SEAL Museum, was asked by Prime Video to moderate the post-screening commentary between writer, executive producer, and second unit director Max Adams; actor LaMonica Garrett; and Hill District Media producer Kat Samick. Adams, a former Army Ranger, and Rick provided humorous interludes throughout, each one trying to explain why his SOF was better than the other. The evening was one of elegance, entertainment, and education.

The Museum sincerely thanks Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and friend of the Museum, for his unwavering commitment to the Naval Special Warfare community and his support of the Museum and its mission.

Thank you to the cast, crew, and creators of The Terminal List for championing the SEAL community and thoughtfully honoring their stories.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf Premiere

The National Navy SEAL Museum was honored to attend the premiere of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf in Los Angeles last month.

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired), CEO of the National Navy SEAL Museum, was asked by Prime Video to moderate the post-screening commentary between writer, executive producer, and second unit director Max Adams; actor LaMonica Garrett; and Hill District Media producer Kat Samick. Adams, a former Army Ranger, and Rick provided humorous interludes throughout, each one trying to explain why his SOF was better than the other. The evening was one of elegance, entertainment, and education.

The Museum sincerely thanks Jack Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and friend of the Museum, for his unwavering commitment to the Naval Special Warfare community and his support of the Museum and its mission.

Thank you to the cast, crew, and creators of The Terminal List for championing the SEAL community and thoughtfully honoring their stories.

Dogs of the K9 Project

Don’t miss this exclusive educational experience.
Dogs of the K9 Project is suitable for all ages and included with your paid admission to the Museum.

With only three opportunities remaining this year, don’t miss your chance to meet the handlers and their dogs from the Museum’s K9 Project.

Upcoming Dates:
October 2 | November 6 | December 4

Dogs of the K9 Project

Don’t miss this exclusive educational experience.
Dogs of the K9 Project is suitable for all ages and included with your paid admission to the Museum.

With only three opportunities remaining this year, don’t miss your chance to meet the handlers and their dogs from the Museum’s K9 Project.

Upcoming Dates:
October 2 | November 6 | December 4

Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music Festival

Celebrate 40 years of Fort Pierce with us.

This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum.

Muster weekend will include our annual membership dinner, The 21st Annual Muster 5K Beach Challenge, a special keynote speaker, Navy SEAL tactical demonstration, rifle raffle, and more.

Friday, November 7
6:00 PM
Navy SEAL Museum
Membership Dinner

Saturday, November 8
8:00 AM
The 21st Annual Muster
5K Beach Challenge
11:00 AM
Official Muster Ceremony

Visit our event page for more information.

Navy SEAL Museum Muster
and Music Festival

Celebrate 40 years of Fort Pierce with us.

This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum.

Muster weekend will include our annual membership dinner, The 21st Annual Muster 5K Beach Challenge, a special keynote speaker, Navy SEAL tactical demonstration, rifle raffle, and more.

Friday, November 7
6:00 PM
Navy SEAL Museum
Membership Dinner

Saturday, November 8
8:00 AM
The 21st Annual Muster
5K Beach Challenge
11:00 AM
Official Muster Ceremony

Visit our event page for more information.

Anytime is the Right Time to Give the Gift of NSW History!

Do you have a history buff in your household? Do you have a current or former NSW operator in your life?

Did you know that Navy SEAL Museum’s photo archives are online to view and available for sale?

Check out our online library and search key words to find the right image for you or a loved one.