News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

A Message from the Museum

As we move into spring, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego continues to expand its impact through education, outreach, and community engagement. Over the past few months, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with students, teams, corporations, and supporters from across the country. As we approach six months since our grand opening, we are grateful to everyone who has visited and supported our mission.

We’re excited to share a look at what we’ve been working on and what’s ahead.

MUSEUM UPDATES

Speaking and Leadership Seminars

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego offers dynamic speaking engagements and immersive team experiences led by former Navy SEALs.

Through powerful storytelling and real-world leadership principles forged in high-stakes environments, these programs are designed to inspire teams, strengthen communication, and build focused organizations.

Our speakers translate elite military leadership principles into actionable strategies for organizations.

Sample Topics:

• • • Leadership Under Pressure
    • Building High-Performing Teams
    • Overcoming Adversity
    • Innovation and Adaptability
    • Enterprise Transformation
    • Keynote Presentations & Fireside Chats

Ready to bring this experience to your team?
Learn more and book your event today.

Improved Ticketing Experience

Great news! We are excited to inform you that the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego is now offering flexible admission, no more timed tours! Your ticket is now valid for any time on the date purchased, allowing you to visit at your convenience.

Museum Shop:
Take the Mission Home

Support the mission of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego by exploring our online Gift Shop. Browse a selection of Navy SEAL Museum memorabilia and gifts for all ages, with more products and styles coming soon.

Every purchase helps us honor the legacy of Navy SEALs and inspire future generations through education and immersive experiences.

Carry the legacy with you while helping us continue to share it.

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Partnership

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego continues to strengthen its partnership with the San Diego Police Department through youth outreach and leadership development initiatives.

The Museum was recently invited to contribute to SDPD’s Command Cohort program for officers preparing for promotion to Lieutenant. During the session, the Executive Director shared insights on leadership, building strong command climates, and leading high-performing teams in complex environments.

Navy 10 Miler Event

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego supported the first annual Navy 10 Miler in Chula Vista, a fitness event bringing together active-duty service members, veterans, and the local community. Museum staff showcased select artifacts and shared the Museum’s mission, while sharing the mission and visitor experience. The proceeds benefited Navy Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, that enhance the wellbeing of sailors and their families.

This engagement marks an important step in building a strong partnership with Navy Region Southwest MWR, a key organization that manages on base ticketing and outreach across Southern California, Arizona, and Las Vegas. We are actively working with MWR to integrate Museum ticket sales across their network, significantly expanding access and awareness within the military community.

Corporate Engagement & Revenue Growth – Offsite Event (Del Mar)

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego delivered a multi-hour offsite leadership and team development program in support of a national corporate event, featuring Naval Special Warfare leadership principles, team building and communication exercises, and an interactive leadership panel. This engagement demonstrates the Museum’s ability to extend its impact beyond its physical footprint while advancing a scalable, mission-aligned revenue stream.

School Field Trips

Fourth Grade Class

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego recently welcomed a local fourth grade class for their annual field trip, the school’s one special outing of the year. Students enjoyed a guided tour, the virtual reality Navy SEAL Xperience, and a mentorship session focused on teamwork, discipline, responsibility, and service.

The experience left a lasting impression, with each student writing a handwritten thank-you note sharing what they learned and how they were inspired. This visit reflects the Museum’s mission in action, bringing Naval Special Warfare values to life for the next generation.

High School Lacrosse Team (UT)

The Museum hosted a high school lacrosse team from Utah for their annual team offsite. The day centered on leadership, teamwork, and accountability, featuring an interactive session on building high-performing teams and cultivating winning cultures. Players also toured the Museum and engaged with the virtual reality Navy SEAL Xperience, reinforcing these lessons in an immersive way.

Coach feedback highlighted the impact: “What my players experienced at your museum will impact them for the rest of their lives.”

MUSEUM PARTNERS

Maritime Triad Promotion Plan

We are proud to announce our partnership with the Maritime Museum of San Diego (MMSD) and the USS Midway Museum.

Starting on March 1st, we will discount $4 off an Adult General Admission and $3 off Youth and Military general admission into our museum when guest have visited the Maritime Museum of San Diego or the USS Midway Museum. Guests must show proof of admission to the MMSD or the USS Midway Museum at the door for the discount.

MUSEUM IN THE MEDIA

National Geographic Traveller (UK) – International Reach

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was featured in a full-page spread in the 2026 National Geographic Traveller (UK) “USA – Great American Journeys” special edition. This premier publication highlights top U.S. travel destinations for an international audience, putting the Museum in the spotlight and helping attract visitors ahead of major upcoming events, including the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

KPBS: Museum a Month

Coming soon! We will be featured in the KPBS series “Museum a Month” for the month of April. This upcoming spotlight will highlight our mission, exhibits, and the stories of the warriors we honor and the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare.

The feature will be available in both radio and video formats, offering audiences multiple ways to experience and engage with the Museum.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to Maximize Your Philanthropy

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways to support the causes you care about. You receive an immediate tax deduction when you contribute and can recommend grants to organizations like the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego at any time.

Many of our supporters use DAFs to stay intentional with their giving, managing donations and recommending grants easily through their fund administrator in just a few clicks. Whether you prefer to recommend small grants or larger ones, a DAF gives you the flexibility to give in the way that works best for you.

If you already contribute to a DAF, you can recommend a grant today to help us honor the legacy of Navy SEALs and inspire future generations through education and immersive experiences.
You can also name the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego as a future beneficiary, creating a lasting legacy of support. Because these assets are already designated for charity, your gift preserves the inheritance you wish to leave to your loved ones.

Questions?
Contact Kim Rhinehelder,
National Director of Development and Capital Campaign
(916) 301-2208
kimrhinehelder@navysealmuseumsd.org

PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS

Looking for a Tasty Bite and
Flavorful Brew?
Then Try This Navy SEAL Brewery

(Conveniently located near the Museum.)

Protector Brewery, San Diego’s first organic brewery, was founded by Navy SEAL veteran Sean Haggerty, who discovered a passion for craft beer during his deployments.

With the support of his wife, Cory, he decided to focus on organic brewing, aiming to create a legacy of sustainability and health within the beer community. Protector Brewery uses only USDA-certified organic ingredients grown in the USA, and their packaging is 100% recyclable.

Since opening in 2017, the brewery has expanded its reach while staying deeply connected to the local community and craft beer culture. They also occasionally support events in the area through catering and beverage service.

We’re proud to be part of the same neighborhood and value having them as a local partner.

Looking for a Tasty Bite and Flavorful Brew?
Then Try This Navy SEAL Brewery

(Conveniently located near the Museum.)

Protector Brewery, San Diego’s first organic brewery, was founded by Navy SEAL veteran Sean Haggerty, who discovered a passion for craft beer during his deployments.

With the support of his wife, Cory, he decided to focus on organic brewing, aiming to create a legacy of sustainability and health within the beer community. Protector Brewery uses only USDA-certified organic ingredients grown in the USA, and their packaging is 100% recyclable.

Since opening in 2017, the brewery has expanded its reach while staying deeply connected to the local community and craft beer culture. They also occasionally support events in the area through catering and beverage service.

We’re proud to be part of the same neighborhood and value having them as a local partner.

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.