Monthly News and Intel | April 2025

A Message from Our Executive Director

Dear Museum Friends and Supporters,

As we step into spring of 2025, I want to personally thank each of you for your unwavering commitment to the Navy SEAL Museum and our mission to preserve the rich history and legacy of Naval Special Warfare. Your support allows us to honor the past, engage with the present, and inspire future generations.

This past month has been filled with incredible momentum, and I am excited to share a few key updates with you. Our recent event Heroes on The Bluff took place in South Carolina and was a great success, thanks to the dedicated team behind the scenes. Our host committee at Palmetto Bluff possesses a deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s warriors. We are grateful for their Southern hospitality for another year. If you were among those who joined us, thank you for being part of such a meaningful weekend. Many thanks to our staff, SEALs, and volunteers in support, as well.

We continue to make significant strides in our expansion projects. The enhancements to our exhibits in Fort Pierce are both ongoing and evolving, bringing even more educational immersive experiences to our visitors. The Museum is proud to showcase never-before-seen artifacts and stories that offer a deeper look into the clandestine world of Naval Special Warfare. If you haven’t visited us in Fort Pierce recently, I encourage you to plan a trip and experience our impactful galleries.

Construction continues in San Diego. Our footprint downtown will allow us presence on both coasts once doors open in Southern California this fall. We look forward to this evolution, knowing we will have the opportunity to welcome many more families, providing a historical look into SEAL legacy, a stone’s throw from where today’s operators are forged in Coronado.

Across the nation, our Trident House Charities Program continues to provide crucial support to Special Operators and their families. Thanks to your generous contributions, we can assist Gold Star Families and veterans in need. These initiatives remain at the heart of our mission, and your role in their success cannot be overstated.

Looking ahead, we have several opportunities to get involved with many upcoming events. Please be sure to visit our website to learn more. Mark your calendar for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 9:00 AM. We encourage you to attend this complimentary and reverent event with your family.

Thank you for standing with us in honoring the legacy of the SEAL community. Your ongoing involvement ensures that the service and sacrifice of our warriors are never forgotten. Please continue to spread the word about our Museum and its mission.

With gratitude and respect,
Master Chief Ken Corona, USN (Retired)
Executive Director, Navy SEAL Museum

Artifact of the Month

UDT-11 and the Recovery of Apollo Space Capsules

Underwater Demolition Team 11 (UDT-11) played a crucial role in NASA’s Apollo program by securing and recovering command modules after splashdown. These missions were vital to ensuring astronaut safety and preventing biological contamination upon their return from space.

UDT-11 was assigned to multiple Apollo missions—including Apollo 10, 11, 12, and 13—and was stationed aboard aircraft carriers such as the USS Hornet and USS Iwo Jima to execute these operations.

Click the button below to read more about UDT-11’s role in NASA’s Apollo program.

Artifact of the Month

UDT-11 and the Recovery of Apollo Space Capsules

Underwater Demolition Team 11 (UDT-11) played a crucial role in NASA’s Apollo program by securing and recovering command modules after splashdown. These missions were vital to ensuring astronaut safety and preventing biological contamination upon their return from space.

UDT-11 was assigned to multiple Apollo missions—including Apollo 10, 11, 12, and 13—and was stationed aboard aircraft carriers such as the USS Hornet and USS Iwo Jima to execute these operations.

Click the button below to read more about UDT-11’s role in NASA’s Apollo program.

Bravo Zulu to All of You 🫡

Hooyah, Teammates –

We did it. The Plankowner Campaign has officially reached its goal, raising over $1 million from more than 1,000 SEALs across over 200 BUD/S Classes.

To every SEAL who stepped up, to every class that answered the call—your commitment has made this Museum possible. In recognition of your efforts, all BUD/S Classes who met the $5,000 goal will be etched upon the 9-ft. high granite base of the Combat Diver Statue, a symbol of our shared legacy and brotherhood.

To our families, friends, and supporters—you made this happen, as well. Your generosity and relentless efforts to raise awareness will ensure that our history, heritage, and the incredible stories of Naval Special Warfare will be preserved, honored, and shared for generations to come.
This campaign benefited our community beyond fundraising. The outreach saw former Teammates reconnecting after years apart, reuniting in a common cause. We also heard moving honors to the Fallen, and inspiring stories of tribute to friends and family.

In closing, I’m deeply humbled by everyone’s support. I couldn’t be more honored to be part of this effort and to have served alongside such incredible teammates. On behalf of the entire NSMSD team, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your generous support that will make possible a place where Navy SEALs can tell their own story, in their own words and have a tremendous impact.

Thank you for your belief in our vision to create a space where NSW operators and their families can gather to celebrate or honor the fallen; the value you place on the prospect of our becoming a community resource where the public can hear those stories and become inspired to serve something larger than themselves will be transformational.

The finish line is in sight, and the impact of this museum will be felt for years to come. We look forward to inviting you into the Museum very soon.

V/r,

Beef Drechsler
Executive Director

Long Live the Brotherhood 🔱 🐸

Navy SEAL Museum CEO, Master Chief (SEAL) Rick Kaiser, U.S. Navy (Retired) extends his gratitude for all supporters of the BUD/S Class Plank Owner Campaign.

RADM Sands Visits the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego

Last month, Dr. Jim Shafer, Chairman of the National Navy SEAL Museum, his wife Helen, and Capt. Brian “Beef” Drechsler, USN (Retired) and Executive Director of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, had the honor of welcoming Rear Admiral Milton “Jamie” Sands III and his wife, Jennifer, to the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. Dr. Shafer and Captain Drechsler provided them with a personal tour of the Museum Showcase and shared the vision for Phase II.

RADM Milton “Jamie” Sands III currently serves as Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, in Coronado, California. San Diego is the home of Naval Special Warfare, where all aspiring Navy SEAL candidates undergo Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of these elite warriors in the very place where U.S. Navy SEALs are forged and to provide education and inspiration to current and future generations through their stories of commitment and sacrifice.

RADM Sands and his wife, Jennifer, began their visit at the Museum’s vision site where they were given an inside look at the future of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego. They then walked to the Kettner site to experience the Museum Showcase firsthand, highlighting the strategic proximity between the two locations. RADM Sands was deeply impressed by the scale of the vision, as well as the thoughtful planning and impactful content of the showcase.

He shared that, prior to his visit, he had not fully grasped the breadth of impact the Showcase and future Museum will have—not only on San Diego, but also on the active-duty Naval Special Warfare community and the nation at large. RADM Sands expressed his eagerness to continue working with the organization to ensure that Naval Special Warfare Command and the broader active-duty community remain engaged in the Museum’s mission.

He was particularly moved by the Call-to-Action wall and expressed pride in being associated with the Museum’s important mission. Both RADM Sands and Jennifer conveyed their gratitude for the tour and shared their excitement for the Museum’s opening later this year.

The National Navy SEAL Museum extends its deepest gratitude to RADM Sands for his unwavering service to this country and his continued support of the Museum and its mission.

With great enthusiasm, we look forward to the opening of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego in late 2025, and to the continued expansion of the National Navy SEAL Museum’s impact on both a national and global scale.

The Fourth Annual Heroes on The Bluff

A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us for the Fourth Annual Heroes on The Bluff. Your dedication and unwavering support made this event truly special.

The festivities began with “Shoot with the SEALs” at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, offering guests an exclusive opportunity to shoot alongside Navy SEALs. Attendees also enjoyed a delicious lunch, an impressive K9 demonstration, and an exciting raffle.

Sunday evening at Montage’s Wilson Ballroom was equally memorable, featuring a Southern-style dinner, a live auction, a special tactical demonstration, and a powerful keynote address delivered by Master Chief (SEAL) Dave Cooper, USN (Retired).

We extend our deepest gratitude to the gracious and dedicated members of SEAL Team Palmetto Bluff for their steadfast support. The hard work and dedication of our exceptional host committee make this event possible year after year. Your support enables the Navy SEAL Museum to further its mission and expand its impact.

We are also grateful to our friends at Baden K9 for traveling to Palmetto Bluff to join us. Baden K9 and the K9 Project work to connect veterans with highly trained service dogs, fostering enduring bonds and easing the transition into civilian life.

Thank you all for being part of this incredible event. Your continued support makes our mission possible, and we are immensely grateful.

Please visit our Heroes on The Bluff event page for a gallery of images.

Wheels & Keels Foundation, Inc.’s 15th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Moorings Yacht & Country Club for Wheels & Keels Foundation, Inc.’s 15th Annual Charity Fundraiser Weekend in support of our Trident House Charities Program—the heart of the National Navy SEAL Museum.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our supporters, we remain devoted to ensuring impactful outreach across all four branches of the Trident House Charities Program.

We are deeply grateful for the dedication and generosity of the Wheels & Keels Foundation, Inc., whose commitment makes this annual event possible. Your support enables the National Navy SEAL Museum to uphold its mission to educate, preserve history, and honor the legacy of the Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

History Lives Here — and Sometimes, It Walks Right Through the Door

You never know who you’ll run into at the Navy SEAL Museum. We were honored to have our friend, Captain Richard Phillips, stop by.

Witness a powerful piece of modern military history at the National Navy SEAL Museum — the actual Maersk Alabama lifeboat used in the daring rescue of Captain Richard Phillips.

Explore the history of Naval Special Warfare at the Navy SEAL Museum, where powerful stories come to life.

Plan your visit today and discover firsthand the legacy, courage, and dedication of the Navy SEALs. You never know what — or who — you might encounter.

The Navy SEAL Museum’s Scholarship Program

The Navy SEAL Museum’s Scholarship Program opened last week.

Students may apply for one of our three scholarship opportunities: The Marlee Foundation, Trident Tuition Funds, or The Ernest and Suzanne Litty Scholarship Fund.

Applications will remain open until May 12, 2025 — apply now.

Important Upcoming Dates and Deadlines For the 2025-2026 Academic Year

• • April 3 – Online and mail-in applications will open.
  • May 12 – Online applications will close & mail-in applications must be received at the Museum.
  • July 10 – Families will begin being notified of their awards.
  • July 28 – Awards will be distributed to families on or before this date.

Read more about each scholarship opportunity on our website here before applying.