Monthly News and Intel | April 2026

A Message From Our Executive Director

Teammates,

As I reflect on the month of March, I am reminded of the critical importance of partnership. The Navy SEAL Museum recently concluded two events in collaboration with the Navy SEAL Foundation, whose mission is rooted in shared service to the same community. Together, we amplify our impact, extending the reach of our mission, serving more families, and honoring the sacrifice of those who serve.

Partnership is essential to any successful mission, and teamwork remains at the core of all we do. As the SEAL Teams often say, “Two is one, one is none.” This principle of teamwork reflects one of the Museum’s core values and underscores our commitment to the same ideals upon which the SEAL Teams are forged.

Without the support of you, our teammates, as well as organizations like the Navy SEAL Foundation, our community partners, sponsors, supporters, and visitors, our mission would not be possible.

It is with sincere gratitude that I thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the Navy SEAL Museum.

Very respectfully,

Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce

ADVANCING THE MISSION

Collaborative Impact

On March 7, the Navy SEAL Museum Demonstration Team partnered with the River Forest Yachting Center in Moore Haven and performed a classic “Boat Along Side”, Maritime Operation demo at The Center’s annual Boat Storage conference.

To a cheering crowd of 500 plus spectators, they conducted a simultaneous helicopter and water borne assault on an opposing boat, utilizing retired SEALs, a TF-160 Pilot (retired), and their K9 demo team dog, K9 Roxy.

The Museum would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the River Forest Yachting Center and its owner, Mr. Joe Charles, for all the great support they give the Navy SEAL Museum Charities in assisting the nation’s Special Operations Forces families.

One Team! One Fight!

Kevin (Yoda), CANSOF Warrant Officer, Navy SEAL Museum
Operations Officer/K9 Project Director

Community Partnerships

Recently, John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, welcomed our executive director Rick Kaiser, for an evening featuring a book review, dinner, and Q&A from the audience.

Kaiser shared insights on preserving the history and legacy of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, emphasizing the significance of the Museum’s presence within the local community. John’s Island Club is a pillar of Vero Beach, with deep-rooted history and a longstanding culture of excellence and service.

The Museum is grateful for community partners like John’s Island Club, and for the ability to share the rich history that lives on our shores.

A Commitment to Culture and Education

This month, the Museum welcomed three homeschool groups, two out-of-state high school baseball teams, Boy Scouts, Civil Air Patrol, Rockledge ROTC, a sailing club, and two local country club groups. Each group received a personalized orientation from Andy Brady, who brings 15 years of experience at the Navy SEAL Museum and nearly 50 years of residency in Fort Pierce, Florida, the training grounds of the original Frogmen.

The Museum continues to serve as an educational and cultural center, welcoming diverse audiences, educating visitors on the history of Navy SEALs rooted in our own community, preserving the legacy of those who serve, and inspiring others to serve a cause greater than themselves.

Supporting Those Who Serve

Calling all cyclists!

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego docent, CWO4 Lance Cummings SEAL, USN (Retired), is raising money for Honor Flight San Diego, a non-profit team of volunteers dedicated to escorting Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at the Memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Join the Death Valley Tour for Honor Flight San Diego and serve something bigger than yourself and say “thank you” through your endurance. Come ride in the lowest point in the United States for people who reached the highest heights of service and sacrifice. E-Bikes are welcome.

The Museum is grateful for Lance’s longtime support of Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce. He continues to raise support for vital veteran causes through his love of physical fitness, leading by example and serving the community with dedication.

The Art of the Operator

Summer 2026

A Creative Mission. A Shared Brotherhood. A Story Beyond Service.

The Art of the Operator offers an inspiring platform for special operators to share their artistry and stories beyond their time in service.

This exclusive exhibition opens Summer 2026. Visit our website for more information.

VIP Opening: July 17, 2026 at Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
Exhibition Dates: July 18 – September 30, 2026

Showcasing artwork of all mediums–including metalwork, charcoal, ink, oil, pastel, acrylic, poetry, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, glasswork, assemblage, fabrication, woodworking, digital illustration, and mixed media – this exhibition will offer an inspiring platform for special operators to share their artistry and stories beyond time in service.

Operation Thunderhead

The Last SEAL Team Mission of the Vietnam War

By CDR (SEAL) Tom Hawkins, USN (Ret.)

In April 1972, a UDT-SEAL Team detachment left Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands aboard the submarine USS Grayback (LPSS-574), which had been modified to support Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) and SEAL Team capabilities. Their objective was to rescue two POWs that were planning to steal a boat after escaping from the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison in North Vietnam and proceed to the sea. The plan was to launch two SEALs aboard a four-man MK VII Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) piloted by two UDT-11 operators. They would proceed to a small island off the mouth of the Red River, where the SEALs would establish an observation post. The Officer in Charge of the mission was Lieutenant Melvin “Spence” Dry.

Read Operation Thunderhead on the Navy SEAL Museum’s blog, NSW Historical Perspectives.

NAVY SEAL MUSEUM CHARITIES

Scholarship Program

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year is now open.

With the committed partnership of the Marlee Foundation, Trident Tuition Funds, and the Ernest and Suzanne Litty Scholarship Fund, the Navy SEAL Museum has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to date.

Visit our website for upcoming dates and deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Scholarship Program

Feedback from our Families

K9 Project

This week, the Navy SEAL Museum’s K9 Project Director departed for Costa Rica to facilitate the transfer of a K9 on behalf of a K9 Project recipient who had been unwillingly separated from his dog following an accident.

The K9 will be delivered to its owner in South Carolina, where the two will be reunited after months apart.

This mission is one example of the ongoing work carried out through the Museum’s K9 Project. Our work is not finished when a K9 is paired with a recipient. Baden K9 and the Navy SEAL Museum’s K9 Project remain engaged with each recipient, walking alongside each warrior, offering the ongoing support and training required to meet developing needs. Our commitment to our recipients never ends.

SEAL Team Yellowstone

An Evening With Navy SEALs

The Navy SEAL Museum and Navy SEAL Foundation partnered to present An Evening With Navy SEALs at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, on March 18, 2026.

Attendees enjoyed an exclusive Navy SEAL Slopeside Après demonstration, followed by a cocktail hour and reception featuring an exclusive Navy SEAL panel discussion, a special keynote address by National Navy SEAL Museum CEO Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), insights from Navy SEAL Foundation CEO Robin King, personal testimonials, a live auction, and more.

The Museum is deeply grateful to Chairman Matthew K. Smith and wife Tracy, the Navy SEAL Foundation, keynote speaker Navy SEAL Museum CEO Vice Admiral Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), retired Navy SEAL special guests, and the Navy SEAL demo team for their leadership, partnership, and steadfast commitment to the mission.

Palm Beach Evening of Tribute

Thank you to all who joined us for the Palm Beach Evening of Tribute on March 24, 2026.

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail reception on the Breakers’ Ocean Lawn, followed by a dinner reception in the ballroom that included a dynamic canine demonstration, a special testimonial, and an impactful keynote address by retired Navy SEAL Captain and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy. Jessica Lynch, U.S. Army Private First Class (PFC) and Prisoner of War (POW), offered a firsthand, moving testimony regarding her experience as a prisoner of war and the SEALs who came to her rescue.

We extend gratitude to the Navy SEAL Foundation for their continued partnership on this hallmark event. Special thanks to our Navy SEAL demo team for their ongoing support of the mission.

The Museum is deeply grateful to Mary and Robert “Mac” McCormack, our 2026 Event Chairs, whose leadership and direction make this event possible.

Photography by www.capehartphotography.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Wheels & Keels Foundation

16th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend

The Navy SEAL Museum is proud to be a beneficiary of The Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc.’s 16th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

The event returns April 17-18, 2026, in support of Navy SEAL Museum Charities.

The Wheels & Keels Foundation

16th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend

The Navy SEAL Museum is proud to be a beneficiary of The Wheels & Keels Foundation Inc.’s 16th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

The event returns April 17-18, 2026, in support of Navy SEAL Museum Charities.

The 35th Annual Legends Invitational Golf Tournament

The Navy SEAL Museum invites you to join us in Pebble Beach on November 11-16, 2026, for the Legends Invitational Golf Tournament.

The Legends Invitational is recognized as one of the most prestigious and longest-running privately owned tournaments at Pebble Beach. The Legends Invitational reserves three days of exclusive play on Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill golf courses.

Special thanks to Mary and John Lee for their continued support and passion for the mission of the Museum.

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.