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United States Navy SEALs

Elite U.S. Navy special operations force.

The United States Navy SEALs are highly trained for various missions in different environments. They conduct special operations to capture or eliminate targets and gather intelligence. SEALs are skilled in direct action, reconnaissance, sabotage, and more. They work closely with the CIA's Special Operations Group and have a history of joint operations dating back to the Vietnam War.

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Timeline

Draper Kauffman's service in the Royal Navy during World War II

In 1940, Draper Kauffman joined the Royal Navy after serving in the ambulance service in France and witnessing the army being overrun by the Germans. His decision to volunteer for ordnance-disposal work in England showcased his bravery and dedication to serving in dangerous roles.

Naval Demolition Operation in Heavy Seas

In November 1942, a naval demolition operation was launched just before H-Hour on 8 November. Men operated at night from an open Higgins boat in heavy seas under direct enemy fire. Despite injuries and an aborted first attempt, they succeeded on the night of 9 November, leading to the award of the Navy Cross Medal.

Establishment of Naval Demolition Project

On 6 May 1943, the 'Naval Demolition Project' was initiated in response to an urgent requirement outlined by the Chief of Naval Operations. The project had a two-phase structure to address critical needs.

Training of Officers and Enlisted Men at Solomons

Six officers and 18 enlisted men reported for training at Solomons on May 14, 1943. They were led by Navy Lieutenant Fred Wise and underwent a four-week course of instruction before participating in Operation HUSKEY.

Recommendations for Naval Demolition Units

Officer in Charge of Naval Demolition Unit submitted recommendations for the organization, training, and equipping of permanent units to COMAMPHIBFORLANT in May 1943.

Establishment of Naval Combat Demolition Unit (NCDU) training school

On June 6, 1943, the Naval Combat Demolition Unit (NCDU) training school was founded at Ft. Pierce, Florida by LCDR Draper Kauffman. It brought together volunteers from various military units for specialized training.

First UDT group actions in Kwajalein and Roy-Namur

UDT-1 and UDT-2 saw their first action on 31 January 1944 in the attacks on Kwajalein and Roy-Namur during Operation FLINTLOCK in the Marshall Islands.

NCDU actions at Omaha Beach and Utah Beach during Operation Overlord

On June 6, 1944, the NCDUs at Omaha Beach managed to blow gaps in the German defenses under heavy fire, with casualties suffered. Meanwhile, the NCDUs at Utah Beach cleared significant portions of the beach with lighter casualties. Not a single demolitioneer was lost due to mishandling of explosives during Operation Overlord.

Establishment of UDT Flotilla and Subordinate UDT Squadrons

In August 1945, a new command organization was authorized, designating the collection of UDT teams at Oceanside as a UDT Flotilla with two subordinate UDT Squadrons. Captain Robert H. Rodgers served as the Commander for both the Underwater Demolition Flotilla and the Underwater Demolition Teams.

Adoption of Maritime Sabotage Techniques by UDTs

In 1947, UDTs adopted maritime sabotage techniques pioneered by OSS MU, including special-boat infiltration and tactical combat diving, which later became integral to the SEALs.

Formation of UDT teams post-World War II

After the end of World War II, U.S. forces dramatically reduced their numbers, leading to the formation of four UDT teams comprising just over 200 officers and men by 1948. These teams later became crucial in the Korean War.

UDT-1 frogmen drop over the side of a rubber boat in Lake Washington

Frogmen of UDT-1 prepare to drop over the side of a rubber boat during an amphibious assault training operation in Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington. They swam ashore to blast obstructions impeding an assault.

Formation of Naval Guerrilla/Counterguerrilla Force

In 1957, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke tasked a group to create a Naval Guerrilla/Counterguerrilla force based on lessons from UDTs, aiming to have a versatile unit capable of operating on sea, air, and land.

Kennedy's Speech to Congress on Special Operations Forces

President John F. Kennedy spoke to Congress about the need to strengthen U.S. special operations forces and expand American capabilities in unconventional warfare, allocating over $100 million for this purpose. This speech also included the announcement of the government's plan to put a man on the moon.

Establishment of SEAL Team One

On December 11, 1961, Chief of Naval Operations officially established SEAL Team One, a highly classified transition from UDTs to a specialized unit capable of diverse combat operations.

Establishment of Navy SEALs

The United States Navy Sea Air and Land teams, also known as Navy SEALs, were established on January 1, 1962. They are the Navy’s primary special operations force specializing in small-unit maritime military operations.

Frogmen training exercises at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

In 1963, frogmen were seen on training exercises at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. They were leaving the submerged submarine USS Sealion through the forward escape trunk while carrying their demolition equipment.

First SEAL killed in Vietnam

On October 28, 1965, Comdr. Robert J. Fay became the first SEAL to be killed in Vietnam by a mortar round. This event marked a significant loss for the SEAL teams and highlighted the dangers they faced in active combat.

First SEAL killed in active combat

On August 16, 1966, Radarman second-class Billy Machen became the first SEAL to be killed in active combat during a firefight. His death underscored the harsh realities of war faced by the SEAL teams in Vietnam.

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum

Established in 1967, the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, commemorates the history and contributions of the U.S. Navy's elite special operations forces, known as the SEALs.

Richard's Commissioning and BUD/S Training

In 1969, Richard went to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) after his commissioning. He completed training with Class 55 in April 1970.

UDT recruit hoists a telephone pole at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado

In January 1970, an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) recruit is depicted straining to assist in lifting a telephone pole during a training exercise at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California.

SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris Ground Rescue

In April of 1972, SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris conducted an unprecedented ground rescue of two American airmen behind enemy lines in North Vietnam, risking his life. This heroic act led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor.

Lt. Melvin S. Dry's Death

On June 6, 1972, Lt. Melvin S. Dry, the last Navy SEAL killed in the Vietnam conflict, died during an aborted operation to retrieve Prisoners of War by jumping from a helicopter into the water.

SEAL Petty Officer Mike Thornton Rescues SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris

In October 1972, SEAL Petty Officer Mike Thornton rescued SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris under heavy fire after Norris was severely wounded during a dangerous special reconnaissance mission in North Vietnam. Thornton's act of courage marked the only time in modern history that the Medal of Honor was awarded in a combat action for saving the life of another.

UDTs re-designated as SEAL Teams

On May 1, 1983, all Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) were re-designated as SEAL Teams or Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Teams (SDVT), marking a significant change in their structure and operations.

SEAL Team Six Mission in Grenada

On 24 October 1983, SEAL Team Six participated in the US invasion of Grenada, facing challenges during missions to extract Grenada's Governor-General and capture the radio tower.

Conversion of UDTs to SEAL Teams and SDV Teams

In 1984, two of the four remaining Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) were converted to SEAL teams, while the other two became SEAL delivery-vehicle teams (SDV Teams). This marked a significant shift in the roles and responsibilities of these specialized units within the U.S. Navy.

SEALs in Operation Desert Shield

SEALs were the first western forces to deploy to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Shield in August 1990. They played crucial roles in intelligence gathering, capturing Iraqi Prisoners of War, and diverting Iraqi forces during the Persian Gulf War.

SEALs deploying with their own integral command

Since 2000, SEALs have deployed with their own integral command, control, and support organizations—the SEAL squadron, which has enhanced SEAL and Naval Special Warfare capabilities in operational theaters.

Involvement of Navy SEALs in War on Terror

Following the 9/11 attacks, Navy SEALs and other Special Operations Forces played crucial roles in the War on Terror, adapting their skills and capabilities to combat the new kind of enemy through targeted missions.

Operation Red Wings

In June 2005, Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after his team was almost wiped out during Operation Red Wings. The operation resulted in casualties, including eight Navy SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers.

Death of Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor in Ramadi

On 29 September 2006, Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor sacrificed his life by leaping upon an enemy grenade during a rooftop firefight in Ramadi. His heroic actions saved the lives of his fellow SEALs and Iraqi Scouts, earning him the Medal of Honor and the Silver Star.

Maersk Alabama hijacking: Rescue of Captain Richard Phillips

On April 12, 2009, three Navy SEALs from DEVGRU successfully engaged and killed three Somalian pirates who were holding Captain Richard Phillips hostage on the Maersk Alabama ship.

Death of Osama bin Laden

On May 2, 2011, Navy SEALs from DEVGRU conducted a mission in Abbottabad, Pakistan, resulting in the death of Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda.

Downing of CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan

On August 6, 2011, seventeen U.S. Navy SEALs were killed when their helicopter was shot down by Taliban militants in the Tangi Valley while en route to support U.S. Army Rangers capturing a senior Taliban leader.

Loss of Black Hawk helicopter in Shah Wali Kot Valley

On August 16, 2012, SEALs in Uruzgan Province suffered the loss of a Black Hawk helicopter when it was struck by an insurgent RPG in the Shah Wali Kot Valley, resulting in the death of 11 servicemen.

Reduction of SEAL platoons in Afghanistan

In May 2013, Rear Admiral Sean Pybus announced the plan to halve the number of SEAL platoons in Afghanistan by the end of the year, transitioning back to sea-based missions.

Morning Glory oil tanker: Seizure by U.S. Navy SEALs

On March 16, 2014, thirty Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 2 successfully took control of the MV Morning Glory tanker loaded with oil from a rebel-held port in Libya.

Operation Inherent Resolve: Death of Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Keating IV

On May 3, 2016, Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Keating IV was killed by ISIS small arms fire during an ISIS assault in northern Iraq. He was part of a Quick Reaction Force sent to rescue U.S. advisors.

60th Anniversary Celebration of SEAL Team 1

SEAL Team 1 commemorated 60 years of their rich history by hosting a ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, where past and present frogmen gathered to celebrate.

End of the Timeline
United States Navy SEALs

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