Monthly News and Intel | October 2026

A Message From Our Executive Director

Friends and Supporters of the Museum,

The past few weeks have been busy ones for us, and I am grateful for the people who continue to make that possible. We recently returned from Cincinnati after another successful Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati, and once again I was reminded how fortunate we are to have supporters who believe strongly in what this Museum does. From the sporting clays event to our evening at the American Sign Museum, it was a great weekend spent reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and raising meaningful support for the Museum and our charitable programs. My thanks go to our Cincinnati Host Committee, sponsors, donors, guests, and everyone who put in the work to make the weekend happen.

Now our attention turns home to Muster. We will begin the weekend Friday evening, November 6, with our Membership Muster Dinner, catered this year by Mission BBQ and Mia’s Italian Restaurant. Saturday morning starts early with the 22nd Annual 5K Beach Challenge along the same Fort Pierce shoreline where the first Navy Frogmen trained during World War II. We are also introducing the new HEW Fitness Challenge this year, giving participants of all ages another way to get involved and bringing a little physical competition to the Museum grounds. Both the 5K and Fitness Challenge require advance registration.

From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, the Muster Legacy Compound will fill the Museum campus with Special Operations veteran meet and greets, a canine demonstration, military vehicles and displays, Veteran Service Organizations, interactive activities, food, music, and plenty for families to enjoy. Muster has always been about bringing this community together and keeping people connected to the history and traditions that started here in Fort Pierce. This year may look a little different, but I think everyone who comes out will find plenty to see, do, and experience. I look forward to seeing many of you here in November.

Very respectfully,

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

MUSTER THE SAILORS

The Muster Legacy Compound

Food, Music, A Tactical K9 Demonstration and so much more

Saturday morning begins at 8:00 AM with the 22nd Annual 5K Beach Challenge, taking participants along the historic Fort Pierce shoreline where the first Navy Frogmen trained during World War II. The 5K remains one of Muster’s longstanding traditions and offers a direct connection to the history that shaped Naval Special Warfare in Fort Pierce. Pre-registration is required for participation.

This year also introduces the new HEW Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Hard Exercise Works. Designed for participants of all ages, the challenge adds a new physical component to Muster with a series of fitness activities and obstacles across the Museum campus. Advance registration is required, while guests are welcome to watch and support participants throughout the day.

HEW
Fitness Challenge

THE NAVY SEALs TOOK ON CINCINNATI

A Weekend of Philanthropy and Fellowship

The National Navy SEAL Museum returned to Cincinnati September 25 and 26 for the second biennial Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati, bringing together supporters, Navy SEALs, sponsors, and friends of the Museum for two days of fellowship and philanthropy. From sporting clays to an evening at the American Sign Museum, the weekend once again demonstrated the strength of a community committed to supporting the Museum and its charitable mission.

The weekend began Friday at Sycamore Sporting Clays, where guests had the opportunity to shoot alongside nearly a dozen Navy SEALs. More than a competition, the day created an opportunity for participants to spend time with members of the Naval Special Warfare community, talk about marksmanship and service, and hear firsthand about the experiences and lessons carried forward from their careers.

On Saturday, Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati continued at the American Sign Museum for an evening surrounded by decades of American neon and signage. Retired Navy SEAL and astronaut Chris Cassidy opened the event by sharing stories from a career that took him from the SEAL Teams to three missions in space. The evening continued with dinner, fellowship, and an auction featuring Navy SEAL memorabilia, experiences, and items donated in support of the Museum.

The National Navy SEAL Museum extends its sincere gratitude to the Cincinnati Host Committee whose time, planning, and continued commitment made the weekend possible, as well as the donors, sponsors, volunteers, and guests who supported the event. Navy SEALs Take on Cincinnati is about more than a weekend of events. The support generated in Cincinnati helps advance the work of the National Navy SEAL Museum and Navy SEAL Museum Charities, strengthening the programs that preserve the history of Naval Special Warfare and support its community.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON SERVICE

The Art of The Operator Comes to a Close

For more than two months, The Art of The Operator gave visitors an opportunity to experience Naval Special Warfare through a perspective rarely seen inside a museum. Nearly 6,000 people stepped into the exhibit during its run, with an average of nearly 100 visitors experiencing the collection each day the Museum was open.

From its opening on July 18 through its final day on September 30, the exhibit welcomed 5,975 visitors across 64 days of operation. That response reflected the interest surrounding a collection that approached the Naval Special Warfare community not through operations or equipment, but through the personal creativity and experiences of the operators themselves.

The exhibit offered a different way to engage with the Naval Special Warfare community through original artwork created by those who have lived the experiences behind it. Paintings, photography, sculpture, and other works gave visitors a more personal look at service, memory, reflection, and life beyond the mission.

Throughout its exhibition, The Art of The Operator added another dimension to the stories preserved throughout the Museum. Rather than focusing solely on operations, equipment, or historic milestones, the collection allowed the experiences of individual operators to be presented through their own creative work and perspective.

The National Navy SEAL Museum extends its gratitude to the artists who trusted us with their work and stories, as well as the nearly 6,000 visitors who experienced the exhibit during its time in Fort Pierce. The success of The Art of The Operator demonstrated the value of finding new ways to preserve and share the experiences of the Naval Special Warfare community while remaining true to the Museum’s mission.

LET’S TALK SHOP

Historic Gift Shop Year:
250th Anniversary and More

The Museum Gift Shop continues to offer guests of every age a way to commemorate their visit to the National Navy SEAL Museum. This year, the collection carries added significance as the Museum joins the nation in recognizing America’s 250th anniversary, with new apparel, hats, mugs, stickers, collectibles, and other merchandise available throughout the store.

With the 41st Annual Muster approaching, new Muster apparel will soon take its place among the most anticipated items of the season. Guests can also find merchandise created specifically around America’s 250th, including a commemorative challenge coin marking the historic anniversary. These pieces offer visitors another way to remember both their time at the Museum and the history being celebrated throughout 2026.

The Gift Shop has recently been refreshed with a wide selection of new merchandise for returning visitors, members, and first-time guests alike. Those planning to join us for Muster on November 7 are encouraged to stop in and see what is new before the event, with even more opportunities to commemorate the Museum, Muster, and America’s 250th throughout the year.

THE BATTLE OF MOGADISHU

A Heroic SEAL Mission That Never Made it in the Movie

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

In August, 1993, four SEAL snipers from SEAL Team Six and their commanding officer, Captain Eric Olson, supported Task Force Ranger; an operation in Somalia, Africa that was focused on capturing the warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid, who had been attacking UN supply convoys and food distribution centers.

The Battle of Mogadishu has been well documented, but most conspicuously in the 2001 film Black Hawk Down. This movie depicted U.S. Army Rangers, Delta Force operators, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment crews, and Air Force Pararescuemen that made up Task Force Ranger. The Army’s 10th Mountain Division and Pakistani UN Peacekeepers were also mentioned and portrayed respectively. The movie, however, does not describe or ever acknowledge that Navy SEALs also supported the operation, which happened on 3-4 October 1993. One SEAL was severely wounded during the battle, and each was awarded a Silver Star Medal for their heroic actions and activities during the operation.

During the period leading up to the capture-raid, the four-man SEAL task element conducted a number of missions in and around Mogadishu. On the day of the raid, they had just secured from setting up CIA repeaters in the town and found the TF getting ready. Intelligence information driving the raid had developed earlier in the day and a capture plan was developed: the TF would capture two of Mohamed Farrah Aidid’s Lieutenants. As Delta’s operators assaulted the building, the SEALs would serve as a part of a blocking force, then take control of the prisoners and exfil them from the target zone.

During the assault, armed militants shot down two of the 160th’s MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as they flew assault teams to the target. Hundreds of heavily armed militia members immediately swarmed the crash sites, leading to an 18-hour fight between the soldiers stuck on the ground and the forces sent to retrieve them.

At the end, 18 Americans were killed and a 160th pilot was held prisoner for 11 days.

In spite of 180 soldiers fighting against nearly 3,000 of Aidid’s militia and civilian fighters, Omar Salad, Mohamed Hassan Awale, Abdi Yusef Herse, and others were captured. Thousands of Aidid’s clan members were killed, with thousands more wounded. A number of the chieftains evacuated in fear of America’s inevitable counterattack. Some were ready to turn in Aidid to save themselves.

The men comprising the small task element of U.S. Navy SEALs that fought heroically in the Battle of Mogadishu and recipients of the Silver Star Medal were:

Captain (SEAL) Eric Olson, USN (Retired)
Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SEAL) Richard Kaiser, USN (Retired)
Chief Signalman (SEAL) John Gay, USN (Retired)
Quartermaster 1st Class (SEAL) Homer Nearpass, USN
Hull Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Howard Wasdin, USN (Retired)

DIVE INTO THE HISTORY OF NSW

JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER FAMILY

Give Your Time and Help Carry the Mission Forward

Volunteers are an essential part of the National Navy SEAL Museum, supporting everything from daily guest experiences and educational programming to special events and the preservation of Naval Special Warfare history. Each person who gives their time helps the Museum continue sharing that legacy with visitors from across the country.

Whether you have a background in military service, a passion for history, or simply want to become more involved in your community, there are opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. Join a team committed to service, stewardship, and preserving the stories entrusted to the Museum.

Volunteering also offers the opportunity to work alongside people who share a respect for service and a commitment to preserving history. From welcoming guests to supporting major Museum events, volunteers help create the experience visitors remember long after they leave Fort Pierce.

Learn more about volunteering at navysealmuseum.org/volunteer.

A LEGENDARY EVENT

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 12-16, 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.