News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
A MESSAGE FROM THE
NAVY SEAL MUSEUM SAN DIEGO
SAVE THE DATE
Fourth of July at the Museum!
Join us on Saturday July 4 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a special celebration
honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
Enjoy museum programming, family-friendly activities, giveaways,
free food, artifact displays, and more throughout the museum and plaza.
More details coming soon.
MUSEUM UPDATES
Celebrating our First Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opened its doors for the holiday for the first time and hosted its inaugural Memorial Day Picnic.
Guests joined us for complimentary burgers and fries, artifact displays, and firsthand stories from our veteran docents. It was great to see so many people spend part of Memorial Day with us.
SDPD Command Convention
Navy SEAL Museum San Diego Executive Director Brian “Beef” Drechsler had the honor of closing the 2026 San Diego Police Department Command Convention as keynote speaker.
The convention brought SDPD leadership together around innovation, communication, and training.
Drechsler’s remarks drew on his Naval Special Warfare experience to explore leading through change, and how challenge can become opportunity.
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is available for speaking engagements and leadership presentations.
For more information, see the link below.
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is available for speaking engagements and leadership presentations.
For more information, see the link below.
America’s Birthday Collection
As the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America approaches, our Museum Store has new items in stock to help mark the occasion.
Shop our in-store exclusives during your next visit, and explore additional Navy SEAL Museum San Diego store offerings online below.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Navy Bay Bridge Run/Walk recap
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was proud to sponsor the 39th Annual Navy Bay Bridge Run/Walk, presented by Navy Region Southwest.
Our booth featured giveaways, artifact displays, and veteran docents sharing stories and connecting with the community.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by.
SQT Visit
It was an honor to welcome SEAL Qualification Training Class 372 and their families to the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego.
During their visit, we had the opportunity to share the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare, from the service and sacrifice of the SEALs of World War II to the teams serving today.
We look forward to welcoming future SQT and SWCC classes and continuing to support our active-duty NSW family.
Old Frogs and SEALs at the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego was proud to host a recent gathering of Old Frogs & SEALs, an organization dedicated to connecting retired U.S. Navy Frogmen, Scouts & Raiders, and SEALs.
The group meets quarterly to reconnect, share stories, and stay engaged with the Naval Special Warfare community. Each gathering features guest speakers and conversations centered around the past, present, and future of NSW.
Many of our museum docents are proud members of Old Frogs & SEALs, bringing their firsthand experience and continued dedication to the museum every day.
We are honored to support this community.
NSMSD PARTNERS
Triad Promotion Plan
Guests and members of the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway Museum, and the Navy SEAL Museum receive discounted admission at any of the three locations.
Discounts include $4 off Adult General Admission and $3 off Youth, Veteran, and Military Family tickets. Simply show proof of admission or membership at the door. All three museums are within a 15-minute walk of each other.
MUSEUM IN THE MEDIA
Spotlight on the Community
The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego recently sat down with Drew Schlosberg’s “Spotlight on the Community” podcast to share the story behind our museum and mission.
Episodes are set to begin releasing this Friday.
Access the podcast through the link below.
Access the podcast through the link below.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
A Message from Our Chief Advancement Officer
For those of you who have not yet met me, my name is Sandi Bliss, and I joined the Navy SEAL Museum as Chief Advancement Officer. I am excited to be here and hope to get the chance to meet you soon.
I would like to highlight an opportunity to make a difference in the Museum that many of you may be considering or already taking advantage of, making a gift through your donor-advised Fund or making a qualified charitable donation from your IRA as part of your Required minimum distribution (RMD).
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the middle of the calendar year, and making a designation now from your IRA is a great way to get ahead of the end-of-the-year rush to make a designation, but it is also a great way to leave a mark and sustain the future of the Navy SEAL Museum and provide you with additional tax benefits.
The amount you can gift from your IRA depends on your age and the year:
-
- Age 70½ or older can donate up to $111,000 and a new $55,000 one-time limit for split-interest gifts tax-free to a Qualified Charitable Organization
- Age 73 or older: Your gifts count toward your RMD.
- Married couples: If both spouses meet the qualifications and each has a separate IRA, they can donate up to $220,000 combined.
- The funds you intend to donate must be sent directly by your financial institution to the qualified charitable organization, such as the National Navy SEAL Museum, to remain tax-free.
Contact your financial advisor for additional information and to request a distribution from your IRA (the address and tax ID are listed below). However, if you have questions before beginning the process or would like to discuss gift options, please contact us directly at (619) 566-7956 ext:106.
Thank you for your continued generosity to the Navy SEAL Museum!
PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS
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 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, the brewery has expanded its reach while staying deeply connected to the local community and craft beer culture. They also occasionally support events in the area through catering and beverage service.
We’re proud to be part of the same neighborhood and value having them as a local partner.
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 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, the brewery has expanded its reach while staying deeply connected to the local community and craft beer culture. They also occasionally support events in the area through catering and beverage service.
We’re proud to be part of the same neighborhood and value having them as a local partner.
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.
