News and Intel from Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

MUSEUM UPDATES

Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday

This Fourth of July, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego welcomed hundreds of guests to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a day of history, community, and family fun.

Visitors explored the museum, took on our mini BUD/S obstacle course, completed a museum-wide scavenger hunt, enjoyed local food trucks, and picked up giveaways throughout the day. More importantly, visitors came together to honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Naval Special Warfare community.

We’re grateful to everyone who chose to celebrate with us. Thank you for making this milestone so memorable.

Convention Center Visitors:
Show Your Badge

Present your Comic-Con badge at admission and receive 15% off museum admission.

Visiting the Convention Center for another event? Show proof of your meeting or event registration to receive the same discount.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Join us at the Miramar Air Show

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is excited to be part of America’s Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, September 25–27.

If you’re attending, stop by our booth inside the hangar to meet our team, learn more about the museum, and discover how we’re preserving the history and heritage of Naval Special Warfare while honoring those who have served and continue to support today’s Special Operations community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RESPECT Project

The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego proudly supports the RESPECT Project, a character-building and mentoring program for high school students led by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Recently, participants in the program visited the museum for a day of learning and inspiration. They heard from our leadership team and volunteer docents, who shared stories of leadership, service, and the lasting impact both can have on individuals and communities.

We were honored to welcome these future leaders and share the values of service, teamwork, and perseverance.

Patriotic Performances Mark America’s 250th Weekend

As part of the Navy’s 250th Birthday celebration, Westwind Brass filled the museum entrance with patriotic music throughout the holiday weekend, creating a memorable welcome for visitors.

The acclaimed ensemble, in residence at San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance, is recognized for its exceptional performances and commitment to music education and community outreach. Led by Executive Director Barry Toombs, a Navy SEAL Museum docent and retired U.S. Navy Reserve officer, the ensemble’s performance was a fitting tribute to the Navy’s milestone anniversary.

NSW HISTORY

Remembering Extortion 17

On August 6, 2011, a mission to reinforce U.S. Army Rangers in Afghanistan became one of the most devastating days in the history of U.S. Special Operations.

Earlier that day, Rangers had launched an operation to capture or kill a senior Taliban leader in the Tangi Valley. As the mission unfolded, enemy forces began to mass, placing the Rangers in an increasingly dangerous position. A Quick Reaction Force, composed primarily of U.S. Navy SEALs along with U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Special Operations personnel, was assembled to provide immediate support.

With time critical, the decision was made to transport the entire force aboard a single U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17. As the aircraft slowed to land near the objective, Taliban fighters concealed nearby fired rocket-propelled grenades, striking the helicopter and causing it to crash.

All 38 people aboard were killed, including 17 U.S. Navy SEALs, five Naval Special Warfare support personnel, the Army flight crew, U.S. Army and Air Force Special Operations personnel, seven Afghan commandos, one Afghan interpreter, and one military working dog.

The loss of Extortion 17 remains the deadliest single incident for U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan and, at the time, represented the greatest single loss of life in the history of U.S. Special Operations Command.

As we remember the heroes of Extortion 17, we honor their courage, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to their teammates and the mission. Their legacy endures through the Naval Special Warfare community and the nation they served.

NSMSD PARTNERS

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Invest In the Four Pillars and Make an Impact

The National Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego’s future is built on based on four main pillars: Commitment to preserving History, Honoring Service, Inspiring Future Generations, and Supporting the Community. Every investment made advances one or more of the Museum’s four mission pillars, ensuring that the legacy of Navy SEALs continues to inspire and educate for decades to come.

Honor Service

We honor the courage, sacrifice, and extraordinary service of Navy SEALs and their families by telling their stories. We recognize and bring to life the timeless values of service, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and commitment of the Navy SEALs.

Your Impact: By personally supporting the preservation of the history of Navy SEALs through exhibits, memorial spaces, and programs, you are ensuring the legacy is never forgotten.

Education

The Museum is a living classroom where visitors of all ages have the opportunity to discover the leadership, history, values, and innovation that defines the Navy SEALs.

Your Impact: Making it possible for us to have immersive exhibits, educational programming, leadership initiatives, and interactive technology that bring the SEAL story to life for visitors.

Inspire

The values of leadership, resilience, and teamwork extend far beyond their service. Through compelling stories and experiences, the Museum is a space dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders to serve something greater than themselves.

Your Impact: Helping us expand our leadership programs, public events, speaker opportunities, and community outreach to inspire visitors to lead with purpose and character.

Support

Our deep commitment to the Naval Special Warfare community extends far beyond the Museum walls by supporting veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families through meaningful programs and partnerships. Your Impact: Provides important resources for NSW Families, programs, and community partnerships that strengthen our ability to support those who have sacrificed.

Join us today in preserving history, educating future generations, inspiring leaders, and most importantly supporting those who have served at the highest level.

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.