FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navy SEAL Museum Project Advances on the San Diego Waterfront

Board of Port Commissioners approves initial concept design for a purpose-built museum at 1220 Pacific Highway.

San Diego, CA – April 22, 2026 – The Board of Port Commissioners of the San Diego Unified Port District today approved the initial concept design for a new, 85,000-square-foot Navy SEAL Museum to be built at 1220 Pacific Highway. The vote advances plans for an iconic landmark on the San Diego waterfront, built to honor the history and heritage of Naval Special Warfare and to impact lives in the broader community.

“This project represents a defining moment for the Navy SEAL Museum and for how we share the legacy of Naval Special Warfare with the nation,” said VADM (Ret.) Tim Szymanski, CEO of the National Navy SEAL Museum. “San Diego is a center of gravity for Naval Special Warfare, and this museum will stand as a national platform to honor our history, preserve our heritage, and extend the SEAL ethos and Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) Creed of service, leadership, and sacrifice to future generations.”

In October 2025, the Museum opened its Showcase location at 1001 Kettner Boulevard, establishing an early presence in the region while advancing plans for the waterfront campus. Created to generate public interest and initiate education and community programs, the Showcase allows the museum to make an immediate impact. “We are already putting that mission into action today, as we also build toward the future,” said Brian Drechsler, Executive Director of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. “Through our Showcase location and growing community programs, we are engaging students, leaders, and families across the region—using the SEAL ethos and SWCC Creed to educate, inspire, and make a tangible impact now.”

The proposed museum at 1220 Pacific Highway will be the organization’s first purpose-built location and the fullest expression yet of a mission that began 40 years ago in Fort Pierce, Florida. Like the museum’s Showcase location, which will also serve as a fundraising platform for the larger project, the waterfront museum will be privately funded through the philanthropy of supporters who share the mission, with the organization committed to dedicating up to 25% of net revenue to Naval Special Warfare families, veterans, and local community programs.

The full concept design package, created in partnership with ZGF Architects, is available [here].

Download Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Press Kit [here]

About Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego inspires visitors through the powerful story of Naval Special Warfare told through immersive exhibits, state of the art galleries, education, and remembrance. More than a museum, it is an active community partner dedicated to fostering purpose, resilience, and service beyond self.

Through the timeless traits of service, commitment, discipline, and responsibility, and guided by the SEAL Ethos and Special Warfare Combat Crewman Creed, the museum highlights how continual training and adaptability drive mission success and innovation. The experience culminates in a call to action: to serve something greater than oneself, whether through country, community, or neighbor.

Building on the legacy of the Fort Pierce, Florida, location, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego honors the past, supports today’s operators and their families, and inspires future generations to make a lasting impact.

For more information, visit NavySEALMuseumSD.org.