News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
MUSEUM UPDATES
Work was recently completed on the replica Compass Rose in NSMSD’s Immersive Theater. The original is engraved on the floor of the quarterdeck of the Draper L. Kauffman Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command.
Are You Looking to Serve?
Join The Team.
On 02 JUL 2025, Executive Director, Beef Drechsler addressed the first Volunteer and Docent Meeting. Standing deliberately atop the Compass Rose on the floor of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego’s Immersive Theater, Beef spoke to the assembled volunteers about the importance of the volunteer corps is to one of the objectives of the exhibition: to inspire visitors to serve a cause higher than themselves.
So, if you are a retired Naval Special Warfare Operator, a Navy veteran, or someone who deeply values service and dedication to a mission, why not consider volunteering with us?
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is looking for individuals like you to join our team of volunteers.
By sharing your unique experiences and imparting your commitment to a cause, you will play an integral role in one of our Four Pillars: inspiring visitors to serving a cause higher than oneself. By volunteering, you’ll be Museum narrative personified.
Your interactions will be the conduit by which inspiration flows to both the uninspired and the aspirational. Whether it’s sharing stories, assisting with exhibits, or helping with daily operations, your contribution directly supports our mission: to preserve the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, as well as all members of Naval Special Warfare.
Ready to make a difference? Lend your time, passion, and expertise. We’d be honored to have you with us.
Are You Looking to Serve?
Join The Team.
On 02 JUL 2025, Executive Director, Beef Drechsler addressed the first Volunteer and Docent Meeting. Standing deliberately atop the Compass Rose on the floor of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego’s Immersive Theater, Beef spoke to the assembled volunteers about the importance of the volunteer corps is to one of the objectives of the exhibition: to inspire visitors to serve a cause higher than themselves.
So, if you are a retired Naval Special Warfare Operator, a Navy veteran, or someone who deeply values service and dedication to a mission, why not consider volunteering with us?
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is looking for individuals like you to join our team of volunteers.
By sharing your unique experiences and imparting your commitment to a cause, you will play an integral role in one of our Four Pillars: inspiring visitors to serving a cause higher than oneself. By volunteering, you’ll be Museum narrative personified.
Your interactions will be the conduit by which inspiration flows to both the uninspired and the aspirational. Whether it’s sharing stories, assisting with exhibits, or helping with daily operations, your contribution directly supports our mission: to preserve the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors, as well as all members of Naval Special Warfare.
Ready to make a difference? Lend your time, passion, and expertise. We’d be honored to have you with us.
Work was recently completed on the replica Compass Rose in NSMSD’s Immersive Theater. The original is engraved on the floor of the quarterdeck of the Draper L. Kauffman Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command.
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Joins NSW at SDMAC
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was honored to be the coffee sponsor at the 17 JUN monthly breakfast of San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), held at the Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center on Naval Base San Diego.
NSMSD Executive Director, Beef Drechsler, speaking to a crowd of around 250 military personnel, civilian military contractors, business leaders, and elected officials, shared the vision of the Museum. “Our Showcase Museum opens October 4, but that’s not where we finish, that’s where we really begin,” he stated. “Our plans have always been for a space large enough to tell the full story of SEALs and NSW, in general, something in the range of 50,000 square feet. or more, but this Showcase Museum gives us the ability to begin serving the public through our community engagement programs, testing the concept, earning revenue, and building the awareness of the organization.”
The keynote speaker of the morning was RADM Milton “Jamie” Sands III, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. Sands spoke in depth about the growing challenges posed by today’s adversaries, shifting from the asymmetric threats of non-state actors to the complex and evolving capabilities of state-based peer competitors. He mentioned that Navy SEALs needed to adapt to these new and growing threats by going back to their maritime focus and being a support to the Fleet to accomplish its mission.
The National Navy SEAL Museum, the organization that operates the Museums in Ft. Pierce and now in San Diego, has been preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors since 1985, ensuring that as the missions of Navy SEALs evolve, their stories, and their sacrifices will forever be preserved here.
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Joins NSW at SDMAC
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was honored to be the coffee sponsor at the 17 JUN monthly breakfast of San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), held at the Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center on Naval Base San Diego.
NSMSD Executive Director, Beef Drechsler, speaking to a crowd of around 250 military personnel, civilian military contractors, business leaders, and elected officials, shared the vision of the Museum. “Our Showcase Museum opens October 4, but that’s not where we finish, that’s where we really begin,” he stated. “Our plans have always been for a space large enough to tell the full story of SEALs and NSW, in general, something in the range of 50,000 square feet. or more, but this Showcase Museum gives us the ability to begin serving the public through our community engagement programs, testing the concept, earning revenue, and building the awareness of the organization.”
The keynote speaker of the morning was RADM Milton “Jamie” Sands III, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. Sands spoke in depth about the growing challenges posed by today’s adversaries, shifting from the asymmetric threats of non-state actors to the complex and evolving capabilities of state-based peer competitors. He mentioned that Navy SEALs needed to adapt to these new and growing threats by going back to their maritime focus and being a support to the Fleet to accomplish its mission.
The National Navy SEAL Museum, the organization that operates the Museums in Ft. Pierce and now in San Diego, has been preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors since 1985, ensuring that as the missions of Navy SEALs evolve, their stories, and their sacrifices will forever be preserved here.
We’re Inbound – NSMSD Promotional Video
Videography and Editing by Shine A Light Films
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
SWCC Plank Owner Campaign Progress
The response to the support of the SWCC Plank Owner campaign has been truly humbling. SWCC have demonstrated that they want to commemorate their Eras and Classes next to their exhibition inside Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
Today’s SWCCs are the premier special boat operators in the world, supporting SEALs across the globe in a wide range of operations. Their motto is “On Time, On Target, Never Quit”, a testament to their fortitude and professionalism. And this is proof of that.
Remember, you don’t have to have experienced “The Tour” to be a SWCC Plank Owner. Gifts can be made to pay tribute to an Era or Class by loved-ones, classmates, and friends, or YOU.
A gift made in honor or in memory is an extremely meaningful way to praise and show your admiration. Just like the generous couple who wanted to be sure that their late friend and SWCC Veteran was recognized on both the Donor Wall of Honor inside the Museum, and his Class recognized on the SWCC Plaque next to the exhibit. They were pleased to be able to pay tribute to someone who was important in their lives. And after a bit of sleuthing, we were able to find out more about him and the closeness he shared with many of his teammates and brothers. Hooyah!
A Message from SB1’s Dennis Brown
MUSEUM PARNTERS
Calling All “Terminal List” Fans
What if you could support your favorite museum and in the process, get entered into an opportunity to do something really cool?
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego has partnered with Altroo, a trusted fundraising group who leverages celebrity platforms to raise money for not-for-profits, like Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
Enter their sweepstakes to win Jack Carr and Taylor Kitsch’s Red Carpet Experience where a lucky entrant will get the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the New York City premiere of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf and meet both of these individuals.
All donations support Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
Jack Carr is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and friend of the Museum.
From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, “The Terminal List”. Since then, he has continued to captivate readers worldwide with the gripping tales of the hero, James Reece.
Acclaimed actor Taylor Kitsch, known for his powerful portrayal of Michael Murphy in “Lone Survivor”, will also be there alongside Carr, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
And remember, every single entry directly supports the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. Your participation helps us continue our vital mission of honoring the legacy, preserving the history, and educating the public about U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
Calling All “Terminal List” Fans
What if you could support your favorite museum and in the process, get entered into an opportunity to do something really cool?
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego has partnered with Altroo, a trusted fundraising group who leverages celebrity platforms to raise money for not-for-profits, like Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
Enter their sweepstakes to win Jack Carr and Taylor Kitsch’s Red Carpet Experience where a lucky entrant will get the opportunity to walk the red carpet at the New York City premiere of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf and meet both of these individuals.
All donations support Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
Jack Carr is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, retired Navy SEAL, and friend of the Museum.
From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, “The Terminal List”. Since then, he has continued to captivate readers worldwide with the gripping tales of the hero, James Reece.
Acclaimed actor Taylor Kitsch, known for his powerful portrayal of Michael Murphy in “Lone Survivor”, will also be there alongside Carr, making this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans.
And remember, every single entry directly supports the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. Your participation helps us continue our vital mission of honoring the legacy, preserving the history, and educating the public about U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.
Paris to Pointe du Hoc – Live the History
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 retired Navy SEAL Ben Milligan, who quite literally wrote the book on NSW history?
Sound too good to be true? We assure you it is not. Click the button below to get more intel.
Paris to Pointe du Hoc – Live the History
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 retired Navy SEAL Ben Milligan, who quite literally wrote the book on NSW history?
Sound too good to be true? We assure you it is not. Click the button below to get more intel.
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 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 a great partnership once the Museum is open.
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 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 a great partnership once the Museum is open.
Trident House Charities
The Trident House Charities Program (THCP), an initiative of the National Navy SEAL Museum, is dedicated to supporting Special Operations Forces and their families?
These programs include K9 support, respite houses, and direct financial support to NSW families.
With Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opening on October 4, we will have even greater opportunity to serve these families through additional and ongoing initiatives, thanks to the generous support of our patrons.
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.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
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.
Digitization of NSM’s archive was made possible by a generous grant from The Navy SEAL Foundation.
