Monthly News and Intel | August 2026

A Message From Our Executive Director

Friends and Supporters of the Museum,

It was a pleasure to welcome our friends of the Museum, featured artists, and special guests for the VIP opening of The Art of The Operator. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate the talent and stories of the Naval Special Warfare community made for a truly memorable evening, and hearing from our featured artists added another meaningful perspective to the exhibit. The Art of The Operator is now open to the public and will remain on display through September 30, included with daily admission to the Museum. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to experience this remarkable collection and the stories behind each piece for yourself.

As we begin wrapping up another busy summer fundraising season, I want to take a moment to recognize Julie and Phil Taub for everything they continue to do the Museum and the Naval Special Warfare community. Their support over the years has never wavered, and I can’t thank them enough for the friendship, generosity, and
commitment they’ve shown to our mission.

A few members of our team and I recently had the privilege of returning to Bristol, New Hampshire, for the 10th Annual Swim With a Mission (SWAM). As always, Julie and Phil were incredible hosts, welcoming us with open arms and giving us another opportunity to share the Museum’s mission with so many supporters. We were also proud to introduce attendees to our K9 Project and talk about the impact it continues to have on veterans and the communities we serve.

The next mission on our horizon is our long-awaited return to Ohio for Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati, September 25 and 26, in support of the Navy SEAL Museum Charities Program.

Very respectfully,

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

BECOMING PART OF THE MISSION

Every visitor who walks through the doors of the National Navy SEAL Museum comes to learn about a legacy built on courage, sacrifice, and service. That experience is made possible each day by a dedicated team of volunteers who help preserve the history of Naval Special Warfare while ensuring every guest feels welcomed and connected to the stories entrusted to our care.

As the birthplace of the Navy Frogmen, Fort Pierce occupies a unique place in the history of U.S. Naval Special Warfare. The artifacts, personal stories, and historic equipment preserved here represent generations of men who answered our Nation’s call in times of war and uncertainty. These collections are more than objects on display. They are tangible connections to those who served and preserving them is a responsibility shared by everyone who supports the Museum’s mission.

Volunteers play an essential role in fulfilling that responsibility. Whether greeting visitors from around the world, assisting with educational programs, supporting special events, or working behind the scenes, each volunteer contributes to preserving a legacy that might otherwise be lost to time. Their service allows the Museum to continue educating future generations while honoring those who forged the history of Naval Special Warfare.

Many of our volunteers bring decades of professional experience, military service, or a lifelong appreciation for history. Others simply have a desire to give back to their community. Regardless of background, they become part of a team united by a common purpose: preserving the stories of extraordinary Americans and ensuring their service is remembered with the dignity and respect it deserves.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to serve your community, we invite you to consider becoming part of the National Navy SEAL Museum volunteer family. Your time, knowledge, and dedication can help ensure this legacy continues to educate and inspire for generations to come.

MUSEUM PROGRAMMING

The Art of The Operator:
On Exhibit for a Limited Time

The National Navy SEAL Museum welcomed friends of the Museum, featured artists, and distinguished guests for the exclusive opening reception of The Art of The Operator, an exhibit showcasing original works created by members of the Naval Special Warfare community. The evening celebrated the artists whose work offers a personal perspective shaped by service, experience, and a lifelong connection to the brotherhood.

Guests gathered for an evening of conversation and refreshments before hearing remarks from several contributors, including artist and former Navy SEAL Justin Hughes, who reflected on the significance of sharing these stories through art. Following the program, attendees enjoyed a private viewing of the exhibit, exploring a remarkable collection of works created by Special Operators. Together, the exhibit highlights the diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents found throughout the Naval Special Warfare community.

The Art of The Operator offers visitors an opportunity to experience a different dimension of the Naval Special Warfare legacy. Through painting, photography, sculpture, and other mediums, the exhibit preserves personal stories and experiences that extend beyond the battlefield while honoring the service and sacrifice that unite each artist.

The Art of The Operator will remain on display at Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce through September 30 and is included with daily Museum admission. We invite you to experience this unique exhibition and the stories behind each work during your next visit.

RECENT NEWS

Celebrating Ten Years of SWAM

The National Navy SEAL Museum proudly marked the 10th Anniversary of SWAM 2026, bringing together participants, supporters, volunteers, and partners for another memorable year in support of our mission. Over the past decade, SWAM has grown into more than an annual event. It has become an opportunity to strengthen the connection between the Museum, our community, and those who continue to serve.

This year’s event was made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose commitment reflects the values at the heart of the Museum. Their continued generosity allows us to preserve the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare while expanding programs that educate, inspire, and serve future generations.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Julie and Phil Taub for their unwavering support of the Museum and for graciously hosting our team during this year’s event. Their hospitality provided an opportunity to showcase the Museum’s K9 Project and demonstrate the meaningful impact it continues to have within our community. Through education, outreach, and engagement with veterans and local organizations, the program reflects the Museum’s ongoing commitment to service beyond our galleries.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that the success of SWAM is measured not only by participation, but by the partnerships that make it possible. To everyone who joined us in commemorating ten years of SWAM, thank you for standing alongside the National Navy SEAL Museum as we continue to preserve the legacy of Naval Special Warfare and carry that mission forward.

THIS WEEK AT THE MUSEUM

Dogs of the K9 Project

The bond between a Special Operator and a working dog is built on trust, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Throughout the history of Naval Special Warfare, these canine partners have played a vital role alongside their handlers, serving with remarkable capability in some of the most demanding environments.

The Museum’s K9 Project continues that legacy through education, outreach, and support. By sharing the stories of these extraordinary teams, the program provides visitors with a greater understanding of the unique relationship between handlers and their dogs while highlighting the continued impact these partnerships have beyond military service. Through demonstrations and community engagement, the K9 Project also supports veterans, handlers, and their canine companions while connecting the public to an important part of Naval Special Warfare history.

Join us on Wednesday, August 5, for Dogs of the K9 Project, one of the Museum’s most engaging educational programs. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the handlers and their dogs, hear firsthand stories of their partnership, learn about the training and capabilities of working dogs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the role they continue to play in service and beyond. This family-friendly presentation is included with paid Museum admission and begins at 12:00 p.m.

NAVY SEAL MUSEUM BLOG

Japanese First Surrender to UDT Naked Warriors

World War II – 29 August 1945

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

On 10 August 1945, after President Truman gave the order to drop two atomic bombs on Japan, the Japanese openly sued for peace. On 15 August, UDT-18 and UDT-21 boarded C-54 transport planes to Guam and follow-on transport to Toyoko, where they joined the U.S. Third Fleet.

During ensuing operations on 29 August, UDT-21 had the rare privilege of being the first Navy personnel to land on the Japanese homeland. They made a quick reconnaissance for mines at the Toyoko harbor approach and continued reconnaissance at the Futtsu Saki shoreline. As Lieutenant Commander Edward P. Clayton, Commanding Officer of UDT-21 and his men approached Fort Number One, they saw a Japanese soldier standing erect on the beach.

Upon approach, they realized that this was a Japanese officer, whom they would soon discover was the commander of Fort Number One. As the men went ashore, the officer ceremoniously surrenders his Samurai sword to LCDR Clayton. With equal ceremony, LCDR Clayton accepted the sword, both as a token of surrender and as a priceless souvenir.

Read Japanese First Surrender to UDT Naked Warriors on the Navy SEAL Museum’s blog, NSW Historical Perspectives.

AS WE LOOK TO THE HORIZON

Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati

Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati brings together supporters from across the region to advance a shared mission: standing behind active-duty operators, Gold Star families, veterans, and the children of the Naval Special Warfare community. Hosted by SEAL Team Cincinnati, the biennial event returns September 25–26 with two days of fellowship and fundraising in support of the Navy SEAL Museum Charities program. Every dollar raised goes to Direct Family Support, the Scholarship Program, the Trident House, and the Museum’s K9 Project, ensuring critical resources remain available to those who have sacrificed in service to our nation.

The weekend begins with a sporting clays competition at Sycamore Sporting Clays in Loveland, Ohio, where participants will shoot alongside Navy SEALs in a unique and memorable experience. On September 26, guests will gather at the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati for an evening featuring dinner, a live auction, and special keynote speaker Captain Chris Cassidy, USN (Ret.), a Navy SEAL and retired NASA astronaut. A graduate of BUD/S Class 192, Cassidy served in the SEAL Teams for 11 years before joining NASA in 2004. His distinguished career includes two Bronze Star Medals, command of a Presidential Unit Citation-awarded platoon during combat operations in Afghanistan, three spaceflights, ten spacewalks, and 377 days aboard the International Space Station, making his story one of extraordinary service both on Earth and beyond.

Events like Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati demonstrate that support for the Naval Special Warfare community extends far beyond the battlefield. Through the dedication of the Cincinnati Host Committee and generous supporters, this biennial tradition continues to strengthen programs that provide meaningful assistance when it is needed most. The National Navy SEAL Museum is grateful to everyone whose participation helps preserve this mission of service, remembrance, and care for the special operations families it serves.

Space is strictly limited. Secure your spot today!

The 35th Annual Legends Invitational Golf Tournament

The Navy SEAL Museum is honored to invite supporters, partners, and friends to the 35th Annual Legends Invitational Golf Tournament, taking place November 11-16, 2026, at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Resort in California.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious and longest-running privately owned tournaments held at Pebble Beach, the Legends Invitational offers participants an unparalleled golf experience while supporting the mission of the Navy SEAL Museum. Guests will enjoy three days of exclusive play on the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay and Spyglass Hill Golf Course – three of the most celebrated courses in the world.

For more than three decades, the Legends Invitational has brought together business leaders, philanthropists, veterans, and supporters who share a commitment to preserving the history, heritage, and legacy of Naval Special Warfare. Beyond the exceptional golf, the event provides opportunities for fellowship, networking, and meaningful engagement with members of the military community, all while advancing the Museum’s educational programs, preservation initiatives, and support efforts for veterans and their families.

The continued success of this premier event is made possible through the dedication and generosity of its hosts and supporters. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mary and John Lee for their unwavering commitment, leadership, and passion for the Navy SEAL Museum’s mission. Their longstanding support has helped make the Legends Invitational a cherished tradition and an important source of support for the Museum’s programs and initiatives.

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 request?

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