Monthly News and Intel | July 2025

A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Museum Supporters,

The Navy SEAL Museum is honored to celebrate a milestone with you this year as we approach 40 Years of Fort Pierce.

The Navy SEAL Museum opened on Veterans Day, 1985. Once the site of a museum for pirate treasure, the building now honors Navy SEALs and their predecessors. From humble beginnings, the Museum has experienced tremendous growth to become a museum of international stature, drawing tens of thousands of visitors every year.

The Museum’s impact spans from the beaches of Fort Pierce, Florida, the birthplace of Naval Special Warfare, to the opening of a second location on October 4th in San Diego, California, not far from where contemporary Navy SEALs are forged.

The Museum has achieved a global presence, with a dedicated monument at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, to honor the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDU) and Scouts and Raiders (S&R), the forefathers of today’s Navy SEALs.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or a regular guest, there are always new pieces of history to uncover. Like the Navy SEALs we honor and the predecessors who came before them, the Museum is an ever-evolving entity. We invite you to join us in preserving the ongoing history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare.

We are grateful to SEAL Team Chicago, who welcomed the Navy SEAL Museum back to the Windy City on June 20 and 21 for Two Evenings of Valor, Together for the Trident House Charities.

Thank you to all who supported the Museum either in person or online. Your support directly impacts the Museum and all four branches of our Trident House Charities Program, the heart of the Navy SEAL Museum.

It is with sincere gratitude that we thank our generous host committee members —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, and Marla and Mitch Wilneff—whose commitment and passion for the Museum and its mission makes this event possible. You play an integral role in expanding the Museum’s impact and changing lives through our Trident House Charities Program. On behalf of the entire Navy SEAL Museum team, we are truly grateful.

The Navy SEAL Museum’s 40th Annual Muster is scheduled for November 7 and 8. Orchestrated and executed by the Museum staff and dedicated volunteers, the Muster draws thousands of guests each year, increasing visibility for the Museum’s mission, while helping to educate the public about the warriors who preserve our freedom. Family-friendly and suitable for all ages, Muster is the perfect community outreach for the public to experience all the Museum has to offer through influential keynote speakers, live tactical demonstrations, and interaction with participating military personnel.

Stay tuned for more information to come on the 40th Annual Muster.

We are honored to celebrate 40 Years of Fort Pierce—thanks to you, who make it all possible.

With sincere gratitude,

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

Artifact of the Month

The OSS Flying Mattress and Its Use by Underwater Demolition Teams in World War II

During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Maritime Unit developed and tested specialized equipment to support swimmer operations in amphibious warfare. Among the equipment introduced was a teardrop-shaped inflatable flotation device, informally referred to as the “Flying Mattress.” This flotation mat was designed to assist swimmers in transporting demolition charges and gear across surf zones to enemy shorelines.

The OSS provided the Flying Mattress and related equipment, such as Lamberson Lungs and self-contained diving units, for evaluation by Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). As documented by Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell, the Flying Mattress was incorporated into UDT training programs during 1944. However, while available, the device was not utilized operationally by UDT 10. The introduction of OSS equipment to UDTs 18 through 21 began in December 1944, marking a more exhaustive but still limited integration of these experimental tools into Navy demolition units.

Field experience revealed that, although innovative, the Flying Mattress had significant limitations. The flotation mats were vulnerable to puncture by coral and enemy fire, and they proved difficult to maneuver in challenging surf conditions. These drawbacks contributed to the device’s limited adoption in actual combat operations. Instead, UDT personnel relied more heavily on conventional swimmer-carried charges and other established delivery methods.

References
Dunford, Sue Ann and O’Dell, James Douglas. More Than Scuttlebutt: The US Navy Demolition Men in WWII. Shelby Marketing Associates. September 2009. 91.

Special Thanks
Commander (SEAL) Thomas L. Hawkins (Retired)
Mr. Hawkins wrote the Forward Section of Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell’s book More Than Scuttlebutt: The US Navy Demolition Men of WWII. Mr. Hawkins has been instrumental in the history of Naval Special Warfare and the tools and equipment used by those men.

_____________________________________________________

1 Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell, More Than Scuttlebutt: The U.S. Navy Demolition Men in WWII (Shelby Marketing Associates, 2009), 91.
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
4 Ibid
5 Ibid

Artifact of the Month

The OSS Flying Mattress and Its Use by Underwater Demolition Teams in World War II

During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Maritime Unit developed and tested specialized equipment to support swimmer operations in amphibious warfare. Among the equipment introduced was a teardrop-shaped inflatable flotation device, informally referred to as the “Flying Mattress.” This flotation mat was designed to assist swimmers in transporting demolition charges and gear across surf zones to enemy shorelines.

The OSS provided the Flying Mattress and related equipment, such as Lamberson Lungs and self-contained diving units, for evaluation by Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). As documented by Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell, the Flying Mattress was incorporated into UDT training programs during 1944. However, while available, the device was not utilized operationally by UDT 10. The introduction of OSS equipment to UDTs 18 through 21 began in December 1944, marking a more exhaustive but still limited integration of these experimental tools into Navy demolition units.

Field experience revealed that, although innovative, the Flying Mattress had significant limitations. The flotation mats were vulnerable to puncture by coral and enemy fire, and they proved difficult to maneuver in challenging surf conditions. These drawbacks contributed to the device’s limited adoption in actual combat operations. Instead, UDT personnel relied more heavily on conventional swimmer-carried charges and other established delivery methods.

There is no record of the Flying Mattress having a formal OSS or Navy designation beyond its informal nickname. The term appears in veteran accounts, oral histories, and training documentation rather than official Navy equipment lists.

References
Dunford, Sue Ann and O’Dell, James Douglas. More Than Scuttlebutt: The US Navy Demolition Men in WWII. Shelby Marketing Associates. September 2009. 91.

Special Thanks
Commander (SEAL) Thomas L. Hawkins (Retired)
Mr. Hawkins wrote the Forward Section of Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell’s book More Than Scuttlebutt: The US Navy Demolition Men of WWII. Mr. Hawkins has been instrumental in the history of Naval Special Warfare and the tools and equipment used by those men.

_____________________________________________________

1 Sue Ann Dunford and James Douglas O’Dell, More Than Scuttlebutt: The U.S. Navy Demolition Men in WWII (Shelby Marketing Associates, 2009), 91.
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
4 Ibid
5 Ibid

40 Years of Fort Pierce

It is with humble gratitude that the Museum approaches its 40-year benchmark: 40 Years of Fort Pierce.

In 1981, the idea for a museum dedicated to the men who trained on the beaches of Fort Pierce was born. Retired SEAL Captain Norman Olson was brought onboard to turn the dream into a reality. With typical SEAL fortitude and ingenuity, Captain Olson was able to get the Museum off the ground on a shoestring budget. The Navy SEAL Museum opened on Veterans Day, 1985. Once the site of a museum for pirate treasure, the building now honors the Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

From a collection of artifacts donated from attics and old trunks, the Navy SEAL Museum now displays vehicles, vessels, tactical equipment, and weaponry from the earliest days of Naval Special Warfare to today’s multifaceted global operators and headline conflicts.

Navy SEALs and their forerunners have been writing history since day one. The Museum is honored to share the pieces of the story that can be told with the proud citizens of our country and with the world.

Now, more than ever, our mission remains relevant and steadfast—with the opening in San Diego and an ever-expanding international presence. We celebrate and reflect on the place where it all began.

When you visit the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, you are doing more than supporting our mission—you are becoming a part of it.

The Navy SEAL Museum’s Scholarship Program

The Navy SEAL Museum’s Scholarship Program application process has come to a close for the 2025–2026 academic year. Thank you to all of our families who have applied.

From 2020 to date, more than $1.6 million has been awarded in scholarships.

We are honored to serve as a conduit for impacting the lives of so many young people, made possible only through the extraordinary generosity of our benefactors.

The Museum is committed to serving the families of Special Operators in partnership with the Marlee Foundation, Trident Tuition Funds, and the Ernest and Suzanne Litty Scholarship Fund.

The Museum’s Scholarship Program is one of the four branches of our Trident House Charities Program. The Museum’s Scholarship Program offers gifts in various amounts to the children of Special Operators for their private and higher education.

If you would like to participate in or learn more about the Museum’s Scholarship Program, visit our website for more information.

Paris to Pointe du Hoc –
Live the History

The Navy SEAL Museum is honored to partner again with the World War II Museum to offer our members and friends the historic trip of a lifetime.

PARIS TO POINTE DU HOC, A voyage along the Seine River to the Beaches of Normandy, is an exclusive opportunity to experience history up close, with personal narratives from expert historians. Ben Milligan, retired Navy SEAL and author of By Water Beneath the Walls, and James Holland, WWII historian and best-selling author of Brothers in Arms & Normandy ’44, team up to provide guests an exceptional tour October 25 through November 2, 2026.

Travelers will cruise the Seine River from Paris to Rouen, then explore D-Day history along the French coast, honoring and remembering the stories of the heroes to whom we owe so much.

Space is strictly limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Calling All “Terminal List” Fans

What if you could support your favorite museum and in the process, get entered into an opportunity to do something really cool?

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego has partnered with Altroo, a trusted fundraising group who leverages celebrity platforms to raise money for not-for-profits, like Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.

Enter their sweepstakes to win Jack Carr and Taylor Kitsch’s Red Carpet Experience where a lucky entrant will get the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the New York City premiere of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf and meet both of these individuals.

All donations support Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.

Jack Carr is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and friend of the Museum.

From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, “The Terminal List”. Since then, he has continued to captivate readers worldwide with the gripping tales of the hero, James Reece.

Acclaimed actor Taylor Kitsch, known for his powerful portrayal of Michael Murphy in “Lone Survivor”, will also be there alongside Carr, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.

And remember, every single entry directly supports the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. Your participation helps us continue our vital mission of honoring the legacy, preserving the history, and educating the public about U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

Dogs of the K9 Project

Last week, the Museum hosted another Dogs of the K9 Project event. Attendees enjoyed personal accounts from Special Operators and their K9 companions, asked questions, and saw firsthand the Museum’s K9 Project in action. With the partnership of Baden K9, the Museum gives service dogs to veterans of the Special Operations community to support the needs of the operator and the family.

Join us this summer at the Museum for a fun, educational, and interactive event, intended for all ages.

Dogs of the K9 Project takes place in the Museum’s theater at 12:00 PM.

August 7 | September 4 | October 2 | November 6 | December 4

Thank You SEAL Team Chicago

The Navy SEAL Museum returned to Chicago on June 20 and 21 for Two Evenings of Valor, Together for Trident House Charities. We are grateful to our generous guests, sponsors, and supporters who make this event possible.

Attendees enjoyed an action-packed weekend featuring special guest speakers, exclusive auctions, a live tactical demonstration, and elegant dinners—highlighting firsthand accounts of the stories behind Black Hawk Down and the rescue of Captain Phillips.

The Navy SEAL Museum thanks our exceptional host committee for their generosity.

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

Your support directly impacts all four branches of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program. Thank you for being a catalyst for impact.

Visit our event page for a full photo gallery.

Thank You SEAL Team Chicago

The Navy SEAL Museum returned to Chicago on June 20 and 21 for Two Evenings of Valor, Together for Trident House Charities. We are grateful to our generous guests, sponsors, and supporters who make this event possible.

Attendees enjoyed an action-packed weekend featuring special guest speakers, exclusive auctions, a live tactical demonstration, and elegant dinners—highlighting firsthand accounts of the stories behind Black Hawk Down and the rescue of Captain Phillips.

The Navy SEAL Museum thanks our exceptional host committee for their generosity.

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

Your support directly impacts all four branches of the Museum’s Trident House Charities Program. Thank you for being a catalyst for impact.

Visit our event page for a full photo gallery.

Swim With A Mission 2025

The Navy SEAL Museum is a proud beneficiary of Swim with a Mission (SWAM). The 9th Annual Swim With a Mission will be held on July 12, 2025.

Founded by Museum Board Members Julie and Phil Taub, Swim With a Mission serves veterans across the country. Join us in New Hampshire for an inspiring weekend of community, philanthropy, and military appreciation, where the heroes who defend our great country are recognized and revered for their service and sacrifice.

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.