US Navy SEALs
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"Now the resources of those skilled in the use of extraordinary forces
are as infinite as the heavens and earth;
as inexhaustible as the flow of the great rivers"
Sun Tzu
BUD's Warning Order
K I S S
HISTORY OF THE SEALS
Today's SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams trace their history to the first group of volunteers selected
from the Naval Construction Battalions (SeaBees) in the spring of 1943. These volunteers were
organized into special teams called Navy Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs). The units were
tasked with reconnoitering and clearing beach obstacles for troops going ashore during amphibious
landings, and evolved into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units.
The NCDUs distinguished themselves during World War II
in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In 1947, the Navy
organized its first underwater offensive strike units. During
the Korean Conflict, these Underwater Demolition Teams
(UDTs) took part in the landing at Inchon as well as other
missions including demolition raids on bridges and tunnels
accessible from the water. They also conducted limited
minesweeping operations in harbors and rivers.
During the 1960s, each branch of the armed forces formed its own counterinsurgency force. The
Navy utilized UDT personnel to form separate units called SEAL teams. January 1962 marked the
commissioning of SEAL Team ONE in the Pacific Fleet and SEAL Team TWO in the Atlantic
Fleet. These teams were developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare
and clandestine operations in both blue and brown water environments.
Concurrently, Naval Operations Support Groups were formed to aid UDTs, SEALs, and two other unique units;
Boat Support and Beach Jumpers, in administration, planning, research, and development. During the Vietnam War, UDTs performed reconnaissance missions and SEALs carried out numerous offensive operations. In 1967, the Naval Operations Support Groups were renamed Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWGs) as involvement increased in limited conflicts and special operations.
In 1983, existing UDTs were redesignated as SEAL teams and/or SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams
and the requirement for hydrographic reconnaissance and underwater demolition became SEAL
missions.
The Naval Special Warfare Command was commissioned April 16, 1987, at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. Its mission is to prepare Naval Special Warfare forces to carry out their assigned missions and to develop special operations strategy, doctrine, and tactics.
SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) teams go through what is considered by some to be the toughest military training in the world. Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado. Students encounter obstacles that develop and test their stamina, leadership and ability to work as a team.
For more detailed information about the Navy SEALs contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Special Warfare Command
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado
San Diego, CA 92155-5037
(619) 437-3920
