Monthly News and Intel | March 2025

An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley:
The Rescue of Captain Phillips

The Navy SEAL Museum extends its deepest gratitude to our sponsors, supporters, and guests who made An Extraordinary Evening at Quail Valley on February 24, 2025, a truly unforgettable experience.

This special evening featured an exclusive discussion panel with esteemed guests, highlighting one of the most daring maritime rescue missions in modern history—the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips. Attendees had the rare opportunity to hear a riveting firsthand account from Captain Phillips himself, as he recounted the intense moments of the 2009 Maersk Alabama hijacking and the heroic actions of the U.S. Navy SEALs that led to his dramatic rescue. Guests also had the privilege of hearing a firsthand perspective from a U.S. Navy SEAL who played a pivotal role in the rescue, offering insight into the mission’s preparation and the courageous actions that led to its success. Today, a powerful piece of that history—the Maersk Alabama lifeboat—stands proudly on display at the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, serving as a lasting tribute to the bravery and precision of the SEALs who carried out the mission.

We extend a special thank you to SEAL Team Vero Beach, our exceptional host committee co-hosts Helen and Dr. Jim Shafer and Charlene and Don McClure, as well as our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support made this event possible.

Your support ensures that the Navy SEAL Museum continues its mission to educate, preserve history, and honor the legacy of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Because of your generosity, we are able to expand our reach beyond the Museum walls, ensuring that powerful stories like the rescue of Captain Phillips—stories of heroism, leadership, and sacrifice—reach a broader audience and continue to inspire future generations.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to preserving history, honoring the legacy, and inspiring the next generation of warriors and leaders. We look forward to welcoming you to future events as we continue to share the profound impact of the U.S. Navy SEALs and strengthen our mission to educate, inspire, and honor those who serve our nation.

Please visit our Extraordinary Evening page for a gallery of images.

Artifact of the Month

Into the Deep: How the UDTs’ Green Wetsuit Shaped Naval Warfare

The wetsuit rests in its display case; its once-flexible neoprene now stiff with age. A deep olive-green, it doesn’t bear the sleek black sheen of modern SEAL diving gear. Instead, it tells a story of a time when stealth in the water was an emerging science, when the men who wore it were inventing tactics that would shape the future of naval special warfare.

This was the wetsuit of the 1950s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs)—the forerunners of today’s Navy SEALs. The olive-green neoprene suit was a rare departure from the black wetsuits that would later become standard. While black worked well in deep water, the UDTs often operated in shallow, murky coastal environments—jungles, rivers, and swamps—where green provided better camouflage.

In the early days of combat diving, protection from the elements was a luxury. During World War II, the first frogmen swam with minimal gear, wearing only swim trunks, fins, and a mask. By the 1950s, the introduction of neoprene wetsuits revolutionized their operations, enabling them to stay in the water longer without succumbing to hypothermia.

The two-piece design of the green wetsuit—typically a zippered top and separate bottoms—offered flexibility and ease of movement, essential for men tasked with clearing obstacles, planting explosives, or infiltrating enemy shores. The material was thick, providing warmth, but it also restricted movement and could become a hindrance if water leaked in. Despite its limitations, it was a massive improvement over the past.

As diving technology advanced, black wetsuits became the standard by the 1960s, and the green UDT wetsuits faded into history. But for a time, these suits were worn by men who pioneered modern underwater warfare—silent warriors in an era before night vision, advanced rebreathers, and digital navigation.

Today, this olive-green suit, stiff with time, is more than just a relic. It is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the UDTs—men who faced the unknown, armed with little more than their training, their gear, and sheer determination.

Tails of Valor: A Hero’s Best Friend

K9 Finn Visits Indian River Estates

Last week, CAPT. Kag Cagnoni (SEAL) (Ret.) and his K9 partner, Finn, visited the residents of Indian River Estates to share insights about the National Navy SEAL Museum, our Trident House Charities program, and the incredible role of K9s in Naval Special Warfare.

During the visit, Kag provided valuable insight into the Museum’s K9 Project, which continues to serve the Special Operations community and their families. The K9 Project provides veterans with highly trained service dogs that enhance their safety, independence, and overall well-being.

Finn stole the show—bringing smiles to every attendee’s face with his discipline, intelligence, and friendly demeanor. More than just a companion, Finn represents the unwavering loyalty and unbreakable bond between K9s and Special Operators. His presence at the event offered a firsthand demonstration of the profound impact of the Museum’s K9 Project, showcasing how these exceptional canines play a vital role in the lives of our nation’s elite warriors.

Residents were captivated as Kag shared personal experiences from his time in Naval Special Warfare, highlighting the essential bond between operators and their K9 teammates. Through firsthand stories, guests gained a deeper appreciation for the Museum’s mission to support and honor the Naval Special Warfare community.

The National Navy SEAL Museum remains committed to ensuring that Special Operators receive the support they need, and the K9 Project is just one of the many ways we continue to serve those who have served us.

To learn more about the Museum’s K9 Project and how you can support this life-changing initiative, visit www.navysealmuseum.org/k9project.

Volunteer Dinner 2025

The Navy SEAL Museum recently held its 2025 Volunteer Dinner, an evening dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. Their steadfast dedication and generosity play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of the Navy SEALs and advancing the Museum’s mission.

Our volunteers are the backbone of the Museum, selflessly giving their time, talents, and energy to support our initiatives. Their commitment allows us to educate the public, honor our nation’s heroes, and inspire future generations.

During this special evening, we had the privilege of presenting the 2025 Distinguished Achievement Award to Franci Glatz in recognition of her outstanding dedication, enthusiasm, and service. Her contributions have made a lasting impact on the Museum, and we are deeply grateful for her continued support.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Franci Glatz and to all of our incredible volunteers. Your generosity, passion, and commitment make our work possible, and we are honored to have you as part of the Navy SEAL Museum family.

Shooting with the SEALs

Many of our friends at the National Navy SEAL Museum enjoy both shooting and military history, particularly any history related to Naval Special Warfare.

This past February, members of our SEAL Capability Team had the pleasure of spending a day on the range with seven donors from last year’s Wheels & Keels event.

Shooting, lunch, and camaraderie were enjoyed by all, including a Navy Cross recipient who regaled everyone with hilarious stories, offering an inside look at the humorous side of the secret world of Navy SEALs.

A sincere thank you from the Museum Team to these donors for supporting both Trident House Charities and the men of Naval Special Warfare. We look forward to seeing all of you downrange again soon!

Facta Non Verba!

WO Kevin “Yoda” Whitenect CANSOF (Ret.)
Operations Officer
National Navy SEAL Museum

The Fourth Annual Heroes on The Bluff

Happening this month, the Navy SEAL Museum invites you to a remarkable two-day event dedicated to celebrating courage, service, and patriotism. Join us on Sunday, March 30, 2025, for an unforgettable experience at Palmetto Bluff, where we will honor the legacy of America’s elite warriors while raising essential funds to support the Museum’s mission.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Bluffton, South Carolina, the event begins at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, where guests will have the exclusive opportunity to shoot with Navy SEALs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

As evening approaches, prepare for an elegant gala at Montage’s Wilson Ballroom, beginning at 5:00 PM. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, an exclusive auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, and a Southern-inspired dinner that embodies true hospitality. The highlight of the evening will be a compelling keynote address from MC Dave Cooper (SEAL) (Ret.) whose leadership and firsthand experiences will leave a lasting impact.

We look forward to welcoming you to Bluffton, South Carolina, for an experience you won’t want to miss!

Click here for more information on the Fourth Annual Heroes on the Bluff.