News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

MUSEUM UPDATES

ADM William McRaven, USN (Ret.) Stops By to Visit the Showcase

“If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.” – Adm. McRaven’s Commencement Speech to University of Texas, 2014.

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego (NSMSD) was honored to welcome Admiral William McRaven (Ret.) and his wife, Georgeann, to the Kettner Blvd. location.

Brian “Beef” Drechsler, Executive Director of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, provided the Admiral and Georgeann with a personal tour of the Showcase Museum, shared our vision for the future, including our plan for an expanded Museum to adequately tell the story of Naval Special Warfare. During the visit, Admiral McRaven also recorded narration for a signature exhibition feature.

At NSMSD, visitors will hear from former SEALs themselves throughout the entire Museum learning and experiencing their stories, and Admiral McRaven’s is just one of many. As we approach the October 4 opening of our Showcase, we take a moment to appreciate the magnitude of the endeavor before us and what a humbling honor it is to host individuals like Admiral McRaven—a pillar of leadership and guiding force within the Naval Special Warfare community—and a respected liaison of the legacy of these elite warriors.

Once open, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego’s Showcase Exhibition will be able to host thousands of visitors each year. But this is not where we stop. In fact, it’s where we begin.

The Showcase Museum at 1001 Kettner Blvd. is our first Museum, not the final Museum. Our goal is a space far in excess of our current footprint of 10,000 sq. ft where we can adequately impart the magnitude of NSW history, and be able to host solemn events, change of command ceremonies, weddings, and more. But, as paraphrased from ADM McRaven above, one must be able to do the little things first, and this is what just what we’re doing.

This Showcase Museum is our proof of concept—a way to immediately start delivering public benefit through education and unique experiences, testing exhibits and processes, generating revenue, and most importantly, inspiring visitors to serve something bigger than themselves.

Join the mission and stay in touch as we build a larger platform with which to tell the full story of Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day

At the National Navy SEAL Museum, we understand and recognize the importance of bringing awareness to the realities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

National PTSD Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the invisible wounds carried by so many who have served. For operators, the sacrifice continues long after the battlefield.

In the U.S. Navy SEAL community—and the military community at large—PTSD is an important topic, one that often goes undiscussed. PTSD does not discriminate.

Even the most elite operators can be affected by exposure to trauma. It can impact all ranks and occupational specialties.

U.S. Navy SEALs are known for their physical fitness, held to some of the highest standards. But mental fitness must not be overlooked—addressing mental health is just as critical.

It is crucial to break down the stigmas that surround Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to encourage discussion, and to ensure that no one is afraid to seek help.

The National Navy SEAL Museum remains committed to the Special Operations community through preserving the history and heritage of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors, honoring our fallen on the black granite walls of the Navy SEAL Memorial, and caring for Special Operators and their families through the four branches of our Trident House Charities Program. Please join us in raising awareness—not just on June 27, but every day.

Stay tuned for more information as we observe National PTSD Awareness Day.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

The Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) Plank Owner Campaign Is Underway

There is a lethal maritime force that operates throughout the world and they are as essential to Naval Special Warfare as the SEAL Teams. They are known for their expertise in special waterborne operations.

They can levy heavy fire support, conduct quick and stealthy reconnaissance, and provide infil and exfil operations in ocean or riverine environments. They are SWCC, the Special Warfare Combat Crewman, or as they refer to themselves, “Damn Boat Guys/Gals” (DBG).

Every DBG can play a role in sharing the SWCC story while helping to build the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego through the SWCC Plank Owner Campaign.

We invite you to join us with this distinct opportunity to be part of a legacy that will motivate and inspire generations of Americans for years to come.

The campaign launched 2 JUN 2025 and we are accepting donations from DBGs, their families, and their friends to help with the build-out of the Museum and installing a larger-than-life SWCC Plank Owner Plaque next to the exhibit on SWCC history.

Your gift, no matter the size, will be added to the total goal for your specific Era or SWCC Class.

The goal for an Era is $5,000 and SWCC Class is $1,000.

Please reach out to any SWCC Teammates, get your friends and families involved, and help SWCC tell their story inside the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.

MUSEUM PARNTERS

World War II Museum Travel

It is said that to learn the history of Naval Special Warfare, you have to start with Normandy. Now, what if you were able to learn all about Naval Special Warfare history, in Normandy and with the guy who quite literally wrote the book on NSW history? 🤯

Sound too good to be true? It’s not.

Navy SEAL Museum, in collaboration with Alumni Travel, The National WWII Museum, Ben Milligan, former SEAL and author of By Water Beneath the Walls, and James Holland, author of Brothers in Arms and Normandy ’44, brings you an opportunity to voyage along the Seine River to the beaches of Normandy, adrift in history and heritage.

The fearsome reputation of today’s Navy SEALs is inextricably linked to the groundbreaking, often perilous, work of their combat diver predecessors: the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). These pioneering units, forged in the crucible of World War II, laid the foundation for the SEAL ethos and specialized skill set.

The NCDUs, formed on the beaches of Ft. Pierce, Florida in 1943, were initially tasked with clearing obstacles from invasion beaches. Their bravery under fire during the Normandy landings, where they faced intense enemy resistance while destroying German defenses, was legendary. These early frogmen, armed with explosives and sheer grit, literally cleared the path for Allied forces, often at immense personal cost.

Aside from the ever-changing scenery, the trip will feature full-time historians, local guides, four nights’ stay in a 5-star chateau, delectable dining options, and more.

Looking to have a 🍺 or a 🍕?
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 brewing 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, they have expanded their distribution and partnered with various organizations. They value giving back to their community and appreciate the support of craft beer enthusiasts.

And to say we’re excited to be in their neighborhood would be an understatement. Look out for great for a great partnership once the Museum opens.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Trident House Charities Program (THCP), an initiative of the National Navy SEAL Museum, is dedicated to supporting Special Operations Forces and their families? When we open our doors, admission revenue to Navy SEAL Museum San Diego will directly fund these programs.

These programs include K9 support, respite houses, and direct financial support to NSW families.

Learn more about the many avenues of support open to NSW families.

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.