News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

The SDV and the DPD are Hanging From the Ceiling

Long-time readers of the Navy SEAL Museum SITREP (now in its 4th issue) will remember that in late September, a 1,600lb. SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) was hoisted by crane through a second-story window on the Museum’s south end.

That evolution was, by all measures, a success for our Museum Team. The next step for the SDV was getting it hung from the ceiling on the Museum’s second floor. That, too, has now been accomplished. The exhibition buildout has reached the point where we can begin hanging our large artifacts from the ceiling. The SDV sits next to another piece of Navy SEAL hardware, the Diver Propulsion Device or “DPD.” Both artifacts will hang roughly 13-feet above the exhibition floor giving guests the ability to take in the magnitude of these pieces from a full 360-degree vantage.

Once the Museum is open (on track for October 1, 2025), our docents—many retired SEALs who have used the SDV and DPD–will be on hand to answer questions from guests and shed light on what it was actually like to operate these platforms. Referred to as docents, these individuals will be absolutely crucial to the Museum’s mission of educating visitors from firsthand sources, providing a richer and more rewarding visit.

Plank Owner Campaign Extended

Let’s go for it!

That’s what we’re hearing from Navy SEALs as they forge ahead in reaching a $1,000,000 Plank Owner Campaign goal.

We’ve heard loud and clear from SEALs that they want to continue with the Plank Owner Campaign now extended through March 31, 2025.

“To be able to build a place to honor and share the 80-year history of this incredible community while demonstrating to the public that SEALs Lead from the Front is inspiring and humbling,” says Beef Drechsler, Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. From what I’ve been hearing from the guys, I feel confident that we will reach the $1,000,000 goal. Hooyah!”

Impressive numbers as of December 31, 2024, are to be celebrated and announced. The Plank Owner Campaign raised $655,000, representing 65% of the goal. Eighty BUD/S Classes have reached their $5,000 target with an additional 136 BUD/S Classes advancing towards the target. Additionally, it is extremely noteworthy to share that some 800 SEALs have financially given.

Keep your eye on the numbers as we advance into 2025 by visiting www.navysealmuseumsd.org/plankowner often. BUD/S Classes meet target every week and the webpage is fluid, updating twice weekly.

And remember! You do not need to be a SEAL to participate! A gift made in honor or in memory of a SEAL is an extemely meaningful way to show praise and admiration.

Take a listen to what local businessman, Rick Dahlseid, has to say (below) and why he donated to the Plank Owner Campaign.

Kim Rhinehelder
Director of Development & Capital Campaign
kimrhinehelder@navysealmuseumsd.org
916-301-2208

Plank Owner Campaign Progress as of December 31, 2024

From the Archives

Genesis of the U.S. Navy’s SEa, Air, Land (SEAL) Teams

After World War II, the U.S. slashed its post-war force substantially, and on the eve of the Korean War, which erupted on June 25, 1950, the country was caught totally by surprise, since its military had bottomed out at fewer than 1.5 million members. The communist attack in Korea resulted in a quick buildup, and within a year America had 3.3 million troops under arms.

During the post-Korean War period, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ushered in what came to be known as the “New Look” in U.S. strategic affairs.

Because the Korean War resulted in such a huge U.S. buildup in the armed forces, President Eisenhower did not want to go back to the prewar status quo. Unlike the post-war WWII period, he did not want to totally dismantle the country’s military strength. But he had an idea…

NSMSD’s VR Experience Previewed at ITSEC to Rave Reviews

Two issues ago, we introduced readers to one of our partners, Havik Solutions. They build fully accredited, portable, immersive virtual reality trainers that are accessible anytime, anywhere.

Six of those VR trainers will be located on the second floor of the Museum when we open in Fall 2025 and will give Museum attendees as close of a look at what it’s like to be on a Navy SEAL mission—from planning to execution to extraction. As this signature experience of the upcoming Museum is still in development, they previewed the beta test at The Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) receiving positive reviews from the participants. You, too, can see for yourself.

Check it out here!

The Virtual Reality experience will be an add-on feature to a regular admission to the Museum.