Monthly News and Intel | January 2025
Ushering in 2025
Dear Museum Friends and Supporters,
As we close the chapter on an incredible 2024, I want to take a moment to again reflect on the Navy SEAL Museum’s many achievements–because of generous benefactors like you–and share our excitement for the opportunities ahead in 2025.
This past year has been extraordinary. Thanks to your unwavering support, we were able to introduce new exhibits that brought history to life, hosted inaugural events with new committees that honored our SEALs and their families, and connected with a broader community through our expanding program efforts. We acknowledge our success is only because of our members, partners, and friends who share our same connection to our mission of honoring the legacy of SEALs and fostering this heritage for future generations.
None of this would have been possible without you—our dedicated members, donors, and volunteers. Your commitment fuels our efforts and inspires our team to dream even bigger.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are brimming with anticipation. From unveiling new interactive exhibits and expanding our community outreach programs to enhancing our educational initiatives, the year ahead promises to be filled with meaningful milestones. Together, we will continue preserving history, inspiring patriotism, and honoring those who have selflessly served and sacrificed for our nation.
On behalf of everyone at the Navy SEAL Museum, thank you for standing with us. Here’s to another year of growth, impact, and inspiration as we continue our mission together.
With gratitude and best wishes for the year ahead,
Grant Mann
Executive Director
Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
From Curator to Community
The National Navy SEAL Museum is honored to spearhead the conservation of the Type J E Japanese Mine, a rare and significant artifact from World War II. This mine, now on display, serves as a powerful reminder of the perils faced by Allied Forces during the Pacific Theater and underscores the strategic ingenuity of Naval Warfare.
After decades of exposure, the Type J E Mine shows signs of deterioration, jeopardizing its structural integrity and historical authenticity. The Museum aims to stabilize and restore this artifact through meticulous conservation efforts, ensuring it remains a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs), the precursors to today’s Navy SEALs.
This initiative has advanced to the evaluation phase for a historic conservation grant, generously sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). With the grant’s support, the Museum plans to implement a comprehensive conservation strategy, including corrosion mitigation, protective coatings, and environmental stabilization within the exhibit.
This project reflects the Museum’s broader mission: to preserve the history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare. By conserving the Type J E Mine, the Museum not only safeguards a critical artifact but also enriches public understanding of World War II’s naval operations and the contributions of the UDTs.
The Museum is deeply grateful to the DAR for its commitment to historic preservation and looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate on this project, safeguarding this invaluable piece of history for generations to come.
Museum Membership Drive
The Museum’s recent membership drive has exceeded all expectations. Many thanks to those who participated, giving Museum memberships as the ultimate holiday gift this season. The Museum saw an increase in membership purchases during the holiday season, highlighting our community’s enthusiasm for supporting the legacy of the Navy SEALs.
Museum memberships are designed to reward both loyal supporters and new attendees, truly a unique value. Each membership not only offers exclusive benefits like free admission and special event invitations, but also directly supports the Museum’s mission of preserving history and honoring the heritage of Navy SEALs and their forerunners.
We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response and grateful for the generosity of our members. It is inspiring to see how many people value the mission of the Museum and want to continue to contribute to its success.
With such a strong showing, the Navy SEAL Museum has set the stage for another impactful year of education, honor, and inspiration. The success of this membership drive is a testament to the power of thoughtful giving and the enduring appeal of the Museum’s mission.
Although the holiday season has ended, memberships are available year-round. We encourage anyone looking for a special gift to read more here.
Commitment to Leadership
The Museum continues its commitment to leadership, hosting a two-day Academy Nomination at the request of Congressman Brian Mast. Congressman Mast, representing Florida’s 21st Congressional District, introduced an innovative two-day program, in collaboration with the Navy SEAL Museum, aimed at nurturing the next generation of military leaders. This unique initiative not only assists Congressman Mast in making service academy nominations but also provides future cadets with an immersive experience that simulates the rigorous demands of military life.
The first day included a physical assessment at the Navy SEAL Museum where potential future cadets and local armed forces recruiting commands gathered at the Navy SEAL Museum for a comprehensive physical assessment. The day was designed to challenge candidates through a series of both team-based and individual exercises that evaluated their physical strength, endurance, and ability to work cohesively with others.
Among the day’s highlights, candidates participated in a specially designed physical fitness regimen orchestrated by local armed forces recruiting commands and Navy SEAL instructors. It included a series of demanding exercise –push-ups, sit-ups, and beach runs–conducted on the sand and in the ocean, providing a realistic glimpse into the physical challenges faced by service academy cadets. The rigorous training not only tested candidates’ physical capabilities but also emphasized teamwork and resilience under pressure.
Of note, the program encouraged parental involvement, inviting parents to observe their children as they navigated these challenges. This opportunity allowed families to witness firsthand the high standards and commitment required for successful military service, while fostering a supportive community around potential cadets.
The second day included panel interviews with former and retired officers, focusing on the intellectual and character aspects of military leadership. Candidates who are interested in pursuing a career as military officers participated in a panel interview with a distinguished group of former and retired officers. This intensive interview process was designed to assess candidates in-depth across multiple dimensions, including academic performance—specifically SAT/ACT scores and grade point averages—as well as community service involvement, athletic participation, and other extracurricular activities that could set them apart from their peers.
The interview questions delved into candidates’ motivations, values, and their sense of honor, commitment, sacrifice, patriotism, and service to the nation—qualities that Congressman Mast and his staff, in conjunction with the Navy SEAL Museum, identified as critical for future leaders in the military.
This program stands out as a unique and transformative experience–the only one of its kind in the United States–reflecting Congressman Mast’s dedication to fostering a new generation of military officers. By merging physical fitness assessments with rigorous academic and character evaluations, the program not only prepares candidates for the demands of service academies but also instills in them the core values essential for military leadership. This initiative ensures that candidates are well-equipped to meet the challenges that lie ahead, setting a new benchmark for service academy nomination processes nationwide.
Events on the Horizon
An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley
Right around the corner is the return of An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley on February 24 at 5:00 PM. Do not miss this extraordinary event, SEAL Snipers at Morning, Pirates Take Warning: The Rescue of Captain Phillips.
On April 8, 2009, four Somali pirates attempted to hijack the United States flagged container ship Maersk Alabama, transporting humanitarian aid that was bound for Kenya, while sailing off the coast of Somalia. Largely outnumbered by the crew members, the pirates abandoned the 508-foot-long ship, leaving instead in one of its lifeboats (now an artifact on permanent display at the Navy SEAL Museum). They took with them the Maersk Alabama’s captain, Richard Phillips, as ransom.
Subjugated for five days in inhumane conditions, Captain Phillips was in imminent danger. He owes his life to an elite team of sharpshooting Navy SEALs, who–against all odds–brought him to safety after a dramatic standoff.
This story remains largely untold, but you will hear the unadulterated version from Captain Phillips himself–and firsthand from some of the SEALs who were part of the operation.
Quail Valley River Club
2345 Highway A1A
Vero Beach, Florida 32963
The Fourth Annual Heroes on The Bluff
Join the Museum for an unforgettable two-day celebration in support of the Navy SEAL Museum. The Fourth Annual Heroes on The Bluff: Where Low Country Meets High Caliber promises to be another exciting weekend filled with camaraderie, patriotism, and purpose! On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Navy SEAL Museum invites you to Palmetto Bluff for a one-of-a-kind event that honors the courage and legacy of America’s elite warriors while raising vital funds for our mission.
Start your day at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club with an exclusive opportunity to Shoot With Navy SEALs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a novice, the shotgun start, followed by a delicious lunch and awards ceremony, promises to be a thrilling and memorable experience.
As the sun sets, prepare for a night of sophistication at Montage’s Wilson Ballroom. Beginning at 5:00 PM, enjoy an elegant evening of cocktails, an exclusive auction featuring unique items, and a special dinner only Southern Hospitality can serve up. The highlight of the evening will be a powerful keynote address from Dave Cooper, Master Chief SEAL, USN (Retired)—a dynamic speaker whose stories and insights will leave you inspired.
Stay tuned for ticketing information and sponsorship opportunities to secure your place at this exceptional event. Together, let’s honor the past, celebrate the present, and build the future together for the Navy SEAL Museum. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special in Bluffton, South Carolina.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
477 Mt. Pelia Road
Bluffton, South Carolina 29910