Monthly News and Intel | November 2025

A Message From Our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I have been honored to serve as Executive Director of the Navy SEAL Museum for the past ten months. Having devoted over a decade as Assistant Executive Director and witnessed the Museum’s evolution and growth, I now take my leave, content and deeply fulfilled by the journey.

The Navy SEAL Museum has experienced exponential growth over the last decade, and I have been privileged to see the profound impact it has made. I remain humbled by the commitment of our supporters and friends, whose dedication has made this growth possible.

The Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce will welcome back Master Chief Rick Kaiser, my longtime friend and teammate, into the Executive Director role. I have served alongside Rick both in the military and public sectors and have witnessed his transformational leadership in both.

Although I will no longer serve as Executive Director, I look forward to continuing the relationships I have built over the years and will see you around the Museum often.

With immense gratitude,

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

Korea – September 1952
Operation FISHNET

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

As described by the writer James Berry in the U.S. Naval Institutes “Proceedings” of December 1990: “I helped document one of the strangest military actions of the war: A commando ship (USS Weiss (APD-135), an underwater demolition team (UDT-3), and PT boat (Patrol Craft, Torpedo), would attack for the first time the communists’…fish! Dubbed “Operation Fishnet,” it was one of the most bizarre operations of the Korean War. So secret was the mission of the frogmen, that partial details were not disclosed until February 1953, five months later. Other aspects were not declassified until 1988—probably because no one ever heard of it or had bothered to ask.”

During August and September 1952, UDT-3 and UDT-5 participated in Operation FISHNET (UDT-5 operated aboard USS Diachenko (APD-123). Operation FISHNET was aimed to reduce North Korea’s food supplies by destroying vast fields of fishing nets. Phase One of the operation was launched in late summer 1952, with Phase Two following in September. UDT-5 operated south of the port city of Wonsan, located midway on the east coast of the Korean peninsula. UDT-3 operated to the north within 14 miles of the Manchurian border.

FISHNET operations severely damaged the North Korean’s fishing capability, where the economy was based on fish as much as on rice. This was the last extensive UDT operation in the Korean War; an armistice ended fighting on 27 July 1953. For the remainder of the war, UDTs conducted beach and river reconnaissance, infiltrated guerrillas behind the lines from sea, and continued mine-location and clearance operations.

Renew Your Membership

Founded in 1985, the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida celebrates its 40th Anniversary this November. Be part of the next 40 years, helping to sustain the legacy on the beaches where Naval Special Warfare began.

Membership is one of the most meaningful ways to support the National Navy SEAL Museum.

Join or renew your membership today and honor the legacy that lives on.

Renew Your Membership

Founded in 1985, the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida celebrates its 40th Anniversary this November. Be part of the next 40 years, helping to sustain the legacy on the beaches where Naval Special Warfare began.

Membership is one of the most meaningful ways to support the National Navy SEAL Museum.

Join or renew your membership today and honor the legacy that lives on.

National Philanthropy Day 2025

On November 11, 2025, Captain (SEAL) Kag Cagnoni, USN (Ret.), was recognized as an Outstanding Volunteer for National Philanthropy Day 2025 in Indian River County, Florida.

Captain Cagnoni has served on the Board of Directors for the National Navy SEAL Museum for 12 years. Captain Cagnoni served 42 years in the Navy–38 of those years in the SEAL Teams, exemplifying selfless service and sacrifice.

He has continued that commitment through his volunteer work and leadership at the Museum.

The National Navy SEAL Museum is profoundly grateful for those who give selflessly to the Museum and our charitable outreach program. Without individuals like Mr. Cagnoni, the Museum’s mission would not be possible.

Giving Tuesday is on December 2, 2025, a global movement celebrating the spirit of generosity and impact.

Your support ensures that the legacy of Naval Special Warfare endures and sustains all four branches of our Navy SEAL Museum Charities.

Giving comes in many forms. Consider donating, lending your time as a volunteer, or sharing our mission. Your generous gifts allow the Museum to further its mission and impact, and we are exceedingly grateful.

Learn more about how you can give below.

Blue Star Museums

Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce is proud to join the Blue Star Museums program.

Blue Star Museums is a national initiative that offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families at participating museums across the United States. Organized in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense, the program runs annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day, recognizing and honoring the service of military families by providing meaningful cultural and educational experiences.

Museums For All

The Navy SEAL Museum has joined Museums for All, a nationwide initiative that offers individuals and families facing financial barriers free or reduced admission to more than 1,500 museums across the country.

The Navy SEAL Museum is proud to participate in this initiative, allowing greater access for all guests. We are committed to increasing accessibility for all visitors and look forward to welcoming new guests through the implementation of this program.

Cocktails & K9s

The Wheels & Keels Foundation recently hosted its season opening event at the Navy SEAL Museum. We were honored to welcome many of the Wheels & Keels directors and committee, and the Moorings community, for a special evening that included a canine demonstration, cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres, followed by Museum tours.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity and partnership of our friends at the Wheels & Keels Foundation for their continued support of the Museum and its mission. We look forward to the Wheels & Keels event on April 17 and 18, 2025 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Through the PNC Foundation’s generous grant, the Navy SEAL Museum was able to place another service dog in the hands of a veteran. Support of the K9 Project is life changing. Service dogs gifted through the Museum’s outreach are integral and effective in helping veterans transition from service to civilian life.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the PNC Foundation for making this gift possible. Many thanks to our SEALs in support of this special evening.

PNC Regional President’s Dinner

The Navy SEAL Museum recently hosted PNC’s Regional President’s Dinner, highlighting the PNC Foundation’s generous grant in support of the Museum’s K9 Project.

Through the PNC Foundation’s generous grant, the Navy SEAL Museum was able to place another service dog in the hands of a veteran. Support of the K9 Project is life changing. Service dogs gifted through the Museum’s outreach are integral and effective in helping veterans transition from service to civilian life.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the PNC Foundation for making this gift possible. Many thanks to our SEALs in support of this special evening.

The 40th Annual Muster and Music Festival

Thank you to all who joined us for the 40th Annual Muster and Music Festival on November 7 and 8, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce.

The Navy SEAL Museum is grateful to Congressman Brian Mast and VADM Tim Szymanski, USN (Retired), CEO of the National Navy SEAL Museum, for their moving keynote addresses.

Following the inspirational words of our speakers, guests enjoyed a historic tactical timeline, which featured gear, vehicles, and aircraft from each era SEALs and their forerunners have operated in, from WWII to the present day. Many of these vehicles and the equipment used in the demo are on display in our Museum for visitors to enjoy year-round.

With special thanks to our sponsors of Muster 40. We are grateful to our Navy SEAL Museum tactical team who generously donate their time in support of Muster Weekend. We also extend our thanks to our volunteers who make Muster possible each year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone and for being part of the enduring legacy of Naval Special Warfare.

The 21st Annual Navy SEAL Museum 5K Beach Challenge

Thank you to the nearly 300 individuals who participated in the 21st Annual Navy SEAL Museum 5K Beach Challenge.

Participants took on the 3.1-mile out-and-back course on Hutchinson Island Beach—the sacred ground where the forerunners of today’s Navy SEALs trained for the beaches of Normandy.

Congratulations to all on a great race in support of the Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce. Many thanks to our event sponsors, including Einstein Bros. Bagels of Vero Beach, Bonefrog Coffee, Little Jim, Southern Eagle, and Hoist Hydration. We also thank our lifeguards, who safeguarded the course for all participants.

Admirals Cove: SEALs Up Close and Personal

With gratitude to SEAL Team Admirals Cove for their continued generosity, we enjoyed another very successful event on Sunday, November 9.

For more than a decade, Admirals Cove has been unwavering in its generous support. We cannot express our gratitude enough for everything your

community has made possible for our Museum and the families we serve. Special thanks to Pam and Bob Devine, who are intimately involved with this fundraiser every step of the way.

Thank you to Karen Paci, who organized and treated the SEAL wives to a beautiful luncheon and spa day. The community also supported the Museum’s charitable outreach with a special pickleball tournament, graciously organized by Patty and Joe Posillico.

It is only with the generosity of dedicated supporters like the Admirals Cove community that the Museum continues to expand its reach and impact.

Admirals Cove: SEALs Up Close and Personal

With gratitude to SEAL Team Admirals Cove for their continued generosity, we enjoyed another very successful event on Sunday, November 9.

For more than a decade, Admirals Cove has been unwavering in its generous support. We cannot express our gratitude enough for everything your community has made possible for our Museum and the families we serve. Special thanks to Pam and Bob Devine, who are intimately involved with this fundraiser every step of the way.

Thank you to Karen Paci, who organized and treated the SEAL wives to a beautiful luncheon and spa day. The community also supported the Museum’s charitable outreach with a special pickleball tournament, graciously organized by Patty and Joe Posillico.

It is only with the generosity of dedicated supporters like the Admirals Cove community that the Museum continues to expand its reach and impact.

The First Annual Combat Team Competition

Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce and Gorilla Ammunition proudly partner to present the First Annual Combat Team Competition on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Modeled after the International Special Operations Forces Competition, this action-packed day challenges participants through 10 tactical events, each designed to test your skill, precision, leadership, and teamwork under pressure.

Participants will compete using a variety of weapons systems across disciplines that mirror real-world Special Operations training scenarios. Think you have what it takes?

For more information, to register, or for sponsorship opportunities, visit our website.

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.