News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

This Thanksgiving, we extend our warmest gratitude to all who support the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego and our mission to honor the heroes of Naval Special Warfare.

As we gather with family and friends, we also hold in our hearts the brave men and women deployed around the world away from their loved ones and whose service and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms we cherish every day.

From our Museum family to yours, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and grateful Thanksgiving.

MUSEUM UPDATES

Museum Docents Get Top Billing

Just over one month into the opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, the feedback we’ve received from visitors online and in person has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors have shared that the showcase museum is full of things to see and experience—from the Navy SEAL Foundation Immersive Theater, to the pulse-pounding Navy SEAL Xperience by HAVIK, and the nerve-wracking tension of guiding a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) through enemy waters undetected.

The most consistent visitor response to the experience, is that of the interactions with our docent corps of retired NSW operators. Over and over the online reviews and anecdotal feedback have centered around that unique one-on-one with someone, who in many cases, participated in one of the operations on display in the museum. We surely agree and know that our docents make the museum experience. See what people are saying below.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please click the button below.

Calling all former NSW operators!
Interested in volunteering your time with Navy SEAL Museum San Diego?
If so, you will find a personally rewarding experience in a very unique setting. Help thousands of Museum visitors enjoy the rich history of Naval Special Warfare.

Museum Docents Get Top Billing

Just over one month into the opening of Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, the feedback we’ve received from visitors online and in person has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors have shared that the showcase museum is full of things to see and experience—from the Navy SEAL Foundation Immersive Theater, to the pulse-pounding Navy SEAL Xperience by HAVIK, and the nerve-wracking tension of guiding a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) through enemy waters undetected.

The most consistent visitor response to the experience, is that of the interactions with our docent corps of retired NSW operators. Over and over the online reviews and anecdotal feedback have centered around that unique one-on-one with someone, who in many cases, participated in one of the operations on display in the museum. We surely agree and know that our docents make the museum experience. See what people are saying below.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please click the button below.

Calling all former NSW operators!
Interested in volunteering your time with Navy SEAL Museum San Diego?
If so, you will find a personally rewarding experience in a very unique setting. Help thousands of Museum visitors enjoy the rich history of Naval Special Warfare.

Voice of the Visitor

The objective of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is to inspire all people by bringing the Navy SEAL story to life through storytelling, education, experience, remembrance, and community service.

We feel especially honored to be other things. A place of inspiration, but also a place of distraction and respite from the less-pleasant things in life.

Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was honored send a signed photo of docents Roger and Don along with challenge coins and a letter of encouragement from Executive Director, Brian “Beef” Drechsler, U.S. Navy (Retired).

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Gifts of $10,000 or more receive special recognition on the Museum’s Donor Wall of Honor.

If you haven’t donated yet – or are inspired to give again – now is the time to make a meaningful difference.

The Navy SEAL Museum accepts a variety of giving options including:

• • • Gifts via Stock
    • Gifts via Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
    • Gifts via Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) through your IRA
    • Gifts via Wire Transfer

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

Become a Philanthropic “Force Multiplier” – Double Your Impact

Advisory Board Member, Mitch Wilneff, and his wife, Marla, have generously launched a matching gift challenge to help ensure a strong beginning for Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. With just days left in the year, your donation will be doubled – making this the perfect moment to support the Museum and honor the legacy of the Navy SEALs.

You can make a gift of any amount, including tributes in honor or memory of someone special. We’ll notify your honoree (without sharing the amount), and your tribute will have twice the impact through the Wilneff Challenge.

Gifts of $10,000 or more receive special recognition on the Museum’s Donor Wall of Honor.

If you haven’t donated yet – or are inspired to give again – now is the time to make a meaningful difference.

The Navy SEAL Museum accepts a variety of giving options including:

• • • Gifts via Stock
    • Gifts via Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
    • Gifts via Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) through your IRA
    • Gifts via Wire Transfer

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

NSW HISTORY

Major Actions of UDT 21 in WWII

Compiled by Robert Allan King for the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum from public records at the Operational Archives of the Naval Historical Center

UDT 21, formed in 1944 at Fort Pierce, Florida, was a diverse team of volunteers from across the Navy and Merchant Marine.

After training, they deployed to the Pacific, reaching Maui before joining operations in the Philippines, Okinawa, and the Ryukyus. The team conducted hazardous beach reconnaissance, obstacle demolition, and guided early assault waves under intense enemy fire, often placing explosives by hand in difficult conditions.

They later supported operations at Ie Shima, Aguni, and Naha Harbor. After briefly returning to the U.S., UDT-21 became one of the first Naval units to set foot in Japan, helping secure Tokyo Bay and demilitarize coastal defenses before returning home in late 1945.

MUSEUM PARTNERS

Navy SEAL Foundation

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is honored to partner with the Navy SEAL Foundation, whose steadfast dedication to the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community aligns deeply with our mission to preserve and share NSW history and heritage.

We are especially grateful for the Foundation’s generous support in bringing our immersive theater to life, offering visitors a powerful introduction to the world of Special Operations and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience it demands.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to honoring the past while strengthening the future of the NSW community. Together, we are expanding our impact, inspiring visitors, and ensuring the enduring legacy of our Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewmen.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Navy SEAL Foundation for its ongoing support and partnership in advancing our mission.

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.

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.