Monthly News and Intel | December 2025
A Message From Our Executive Director
Dear Friends of the Museum,
This holiday season, we reflect on the past year with humble gratitude for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission. We have celebrated pivotal milestones, including the opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego on the west coast. Our San Diego Museum represents our continued commitment to the preservation of the legacy of Naval Special Warfare.
Our legacy Museum in Fort Pierce celebrated its 40th Anniversary this November. From the historic beaches where the forerunners of today’s SEALs trained for D-Day landings, we continue to forge the path forward, preserving the history of Naval Special Warfare and honoring the past and ongoing sacrifice of these warriors.
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on enduring lessons of freedom, service, and sacrifice. Central to our mission is keeping the history of Naval Special Warfare alive for future generations through stories, images, and artifacts in our galleries.
Like the SEAL Teams, the Museum is an ever-evolving entity with an enduring legacy. Teamwork and adaptation are essential for success in both cases. This past year is a testament to that. Thank you to all who continue to make this evolution possible.
I am grateful to serve at the forefront of our efforts here in Fort Pierce as Executive Director and look forward to the evolution, expansion, and continued efforts that lie ahead.
I am honored to welcome Elaine Ryan into the Assistant Executive Director’s seat. Her dedication, organizational knowledge, and passion for our mission will be vital as we enter our next chapter of growth and impact. Lauren Schirard will lead Fort Pierce efforts in her role of Marketing and Development.
Whether you have supported the Museum for the past 40 years or this is your first time learning about us, we are grateful you are here and honored that you are part of our team. Our legacy continues with you.
With gratitude,
Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
Korea December 1950
UDT-3 Destroys Hungnam Harbor
By CDR (SEAL) Tom Hawkins, USN (Ret.)
On Christmas Eve 1950, United Nations forces had reached the Yalu River, which served as the border with China. Responding to that threat, Beijing sent more than 180,000 People’s Army troops to engage them. Commanding General Douglas MacArthur then ordered all forces remaining in the region, including the First Marine Division, to begin a march to the sea for evacuation by the U.S. Navy at Hungnam. Naval gunfire would provide the cover needed to protect their withdrawal.
UDT-3 Detachment BRAVO had seven men operating in the area between Wonsan and Hungnam. Orders were given for them to proceed to Hungnam, where they were directed to destroy the Port of Hungnam in one single blast, to turn the port into a “wasteland” to deprive the enemy of its use. The UDT men arrived aboard their support ship, USS Begor (APD-127), and began their task. After working for hours in severe cold, rain, and enemy sniper fire, they emplaced over 20 tons of explosives.
Their operation resulted in the largest single blast to be set off during the Korean War and the largest non-nuclear blast since WWII.
The men of UDT-3, Detachment BRAVO, tasked to destroy the Port of Hungnam on Christmas Eve, 1950. Front (l-r): Robert Bayer, OIC Lieutenant Mack Boynton, CPO William Baxter, CPO Albert Ertl Jr., and John Kelley. Behind: Luco DeLaCalzada, Jimmie Maxwell, and Unidentified.
Korea December 1950
UDT-3 Destroys Hungnam Harbor
By CDR (SEAL) Tom Hawkins, USN (Ret.)
On Christmas Eve 1950, United Nations forces had reached the Yalu River, which served as the border with China. Responding to that threat, Beijing sent more than 180,000 People’s Army troops to engage them. Commanding General Douglas MacArthur then ordered all forces remaining in the region, including the First Marine Division, to begin a march to the sea for evacuation by the U.S. Navy at Hungnam. Naval gunfire would provide the cover needed to protect their withdrawal.
UDT-3 Detachment BRAVO had seven men operating in the area between Wonsan and Hungnam. Orders were given for them to proceed to Hungnam, where they were directed to destroy the Port of Hungnam in one single blast, to turn the port into a “wasteland” to deprive the enemy of its use. The UDT men arrived aboard their support ship, USS Begor (APD-127), and began their task. After working for hours in severe cold, rain, and enemy sniper fire, they emplaced over 20 tons of explosives.
Their operation resulted in the largest single blast to be set off during the Korean War and the largest non-nuclear blast since WWII.
A Season of Service
The Museum welcomed many visitors for our Season of Service event on December 6. Guests enjoyed complimentary admission to the Museum for this special program from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thank you to all who wrote letters or drew pictures for SEALs deployed overseas this holiday season. Your support continues to make a difference in the Naval Special Warfare community, and the Museum is grateful for your generosity.
Make an Impact
Your gift to the Navy SEAL Museum creates lasting impact. Your year-end giving provides real impact through the Navy SEAL Museum’s programs.
The Museum is exceedingly grateful to all of our committed supporters. Thanks to you, we have achieved momentous milestones this year.
Your generous gift will allow the Museum to continue its growth and impact and support the enduring legacy of Naval Special Warfare, so that the service and sacrifice of these warriors is never forgotten.
It is only with your enduring support that our mission is possible, and we remain humbly grateful.
FIRE IN THE HOLE
The Official Magazine of the
National Navy SEAL Museum
Fire in the Hole is the official magazine of The National Navy SEAL Museum, published semiannually for the members and supporters of the Museum. Inside each issue, you will find information about notable items in our collection, upcoming events, coverage of past events, profiles of individuals in the Special Operations Community, and unique features for a special insider’s perspective.
Stay tuned for the latest Fire in the Hole, our Winter 2025 edition, included in your Museum membership.
FIRE IN THE HOLE
The Official Magazine of the National Navy SEAL Museum
Fire in the Hole is the official magazine of The National Navy SEAL Museum, published semiannually for the members and supporters of the Museum. Inside each issue, you will find information about notable items in our collection, upcoming events, coverage of past events, profiles of individuals in the Special Operations Community, and unique features for a special insider’s perspective.
Stay tuned for the latest Fire in the Hole, our Winter 2025 edition, included in your Museum membership.
The 34th Annual Legends Invitational
The Navy SEAL Museum recently returned to Pebble Beach for another successful Legends Invitational.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Mary and John Lee and to all Legends Invitational participants for their steadfast support of the Museum and its mission.
Legends Invitational is recognized as one of the most prestigious and longest-running privately owned tournaments at Pebble Beach. Guests enjoyed exclusive play on Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill golf courses, as well as exclusive evening events, including a tactical demonstration, a Pro Football Hall of Famers gala, and the tournament’s Awards Banquet.
We are honored to participate in this renowned event and are deeply grateful for the generosity and partnership of the Pebble Beach community. Your commitment helps sustain the Museum’s mission, impact, and charitable outreach programs.
Navy SEAL Museum Supports
OK Corral Gun Club 500-Yard
Range Opening
On Saturday, December 13, the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee, Florida, celebrated the opening of its new 500-yard range.
The grand-opening ribbon cutting featured a special tactical demonstration by the Navy SEAL Museum Tactical Team. A special thank you to the members of our Tactical Team for their continued support.
In January 2012, the OK Corral Gun Club was officially established by Joe Charles. The Museum is sincerely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Charles and the OK Corral Gun Club staff for their continued generosity and support of the Museum and its mission. For more than a decade, Mr. and Mrs. Charles have supported the Navy SEAL Museum and our charitable outreach, impacting countless lives through our K9 Project. We are sincerely thankful for this continued partnership.
Navy SEAL Museum Supports OK Corral Gun Club 500-Yard Range Opening
On Saturday, December 13, the OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee, Florida, celebrated the opening of its new 500-yard range.
The grand-opening ribbon cutting featured a special tactical demonstration by the Navy SEAL Museum Tactical Team. A special thank you to the members of our Tactical Team for their continued support.
In January 2012, the OK Corral Gun Club was officially established by Joe Charles. The Museum is sincerely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Charles and the OK Corral Gun Club staff for their continued generosity and support of the Museum and its mission. For more than a decade, Mr. and Mrs. Charles have supported the Navy SEAL Museum and our charitable outreach, impacting countless lives through our K9 Project. We are sincerely thankful for this continued partnership.
Dogs of the K9 Project
Thank you to all who joined us for the last Dogs of the K9 Project event of the year on December 4, 2025. K9 Roxy and K9 Ghost stole the show — and hearts of the guests — demonstrating their unique capabilities and agility.
The K9 Project team looks forward to welcoming visitors back for future installments of this program. Special and ongoing thanks to Baden K9 for the provision of these elite dogs to serve our esteemed families of the Museum’s K9 Project.
Dogs of the K9 Project
Thank you to all who joined us for the last Dogs of the K9 Project event of the year on December 4, 2025. K9 Roxy and K9 Ghost stole the show — and hearts of the guests — demonstrating their unique capabilities and agility.
The K9 Project team looks forward to welcoming visitors back for future installments of this program. Special and ongoing thanks to Baden K9 for the provision of these elite dogs to serve our esteemed families of the Museum’s K9 Project.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Purple Heart Cane Project Ceremony
The Purple Heart Cane Project Ceremony will be held at the Museum on January 17, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Purple Heart canes are presented once a year at no charge with the utmost gratitude. Please visit the Purple Heart Cane Project website or contact Lloyd Lazenby for more information.
The First Annual Combat Team Competition
Join the Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce and Gorilla Ammunition for the First Annual Combat Team Competition on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
This experience is perfect for corporate teams, vendor and client appreciation, military groups, civilian friends or family groups, and individuals seeking a once-in-a-lifetime challenge.
Modeled after the International Special Operations Forces Competition, this action-packed day challenges participants through 10 tactical events, each designed to test skill, precision, leadership, and teamwork under pressure.
Gorilla Ammunition and North County Shooting Range
10315 102nd Terrace, Sebastian, Florida 32958
Your Mission Starts Now
Visit our website for more information and to secure your place in what promises to be an epic event. Space is strictly limited and reserved on first-come, first-served registration.
An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley
Join us for An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley on March 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., featuring special keynote speaker Lieutenant (SEAL) Jason Redman, USN (Retired).
The evening will be extraordinary, with inspirational stories of teamwork and service shared. Cocktail hour with camaraderie on the river followed by a special sit-down dinner continues to make this local venue and gathering exceptionally unique.
We are deeply grateful to the dedicated members of SEAL Team Vero Beach who make this event possible.
Quail Valley River Club
2345 Highway A1A
Vero Beach, Florida 32963
Seating is strictly limited. Reserve your spot now.
Palm Beach Evening of Tribute
The Navy SEAL Museum and Navy SEAL Foundation are proud to partner for the Palm Beach Evening of Tribute.
Save the date for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, featuring retired SEAL Captain and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy as our keynote speaker.
The Breakers
1 S County Rd
Palm Beach, FL 33480
To become a sponsor or reserve your seat, visit pbnseveningoftribute.org.
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.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
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.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
Keep in step with us across the States. Sign up for our San Diego SITREP, as well.
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