Monthly News and Intel | November 2024

The 39th Annual Navy SEAL Museum Muster and Music Festival
Honoring Strategic Partners

The Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce celebrated its 39th Annual Muster and Music Festival with a weekend full of festivities honoring our nation’s warriors. This year’s event celebrated Strategic Partners, highlighting the invaluable support SEALs have relied on through history–as well as those who support the Museum’s mission to preserve the legacy of Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

On Friday night, Museum Members and other friends gathered for the annual Membership Dinner, fostering camaraderie and community in a casual outdoor setting on the Museum’s north lawn. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with Navy SEAL veterans and special guests with delicious food and drinks from the mobile bar. The Museum honors the commitment to our patrons and the impact of their ongoing support. Many thanks to USMI for their amazing low country boil contribution and to Mission BBQ for providing dinner for all. Thank you to Southern Vine for providing live music.

Saturday’s activities began early with the 20th Annual 5K Beach Challenge, where hundreds of runners, walkers, families, and veterans braved 3.1 miles of unforgiving coastline. The incoming tide and ripping wind, along with uneven sand and driftwood debris, made this year a unique challenge. The event, now a beloved tradition, brings together participants of all ages to celebrate resilience and determination, embodying the true spirit of the Frogman. The intermittent rain was also reminiscent of Frogman weather. Special thanks to our lifeguards on course keeping everyone safe, as well as our first responders standing at the ready.

The excitement continued at 11:00 AM, when the main event kicked off at Pepper Park with a live demonstration by Navy SEALs. The showcase of high-impact maneuvers and tactical skills provided an electrifying experience for spectators, demonstrating the expertise, precision, and endurance that define the Navy SEALs. The dogs are always a fan favorite, as well as the helicopter extraction. The explosions, too, somehow never get tired for the energetic crowd. Many thanks to all our SEALs who come out in support of this event every year. We honor you and appreciate your participation. Thank you to our very own Frank Thiele who sang the National Anthem and our beloved Sea Cadets who continue to stand in support.

Keynote speaker Captain (SEAL) Rick Woolard, USN (Ret.), Chairman of the Fort Pierce Board, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships. His delivery was profound, per usual, recounting his time in the Teams and the invaluable support of the strategic partners who were especially instrumental for he and his men in Vietnam. Special guest speakers included LCDR Jim Fuller, USN (Ret.), courageous Seawolf Crew member, and CW4 Bruno Fallon, USA (Retired), a TF-160 Night Stalker and esteemed Flight Lead. Both veterans shared personal stories that resonated with attendees, underscoring the vital role of collaboration in the SEAL community and beyond.

Following the official ceremony, guests returned to Museum property to enjoy live music from The Square Ones, refreshments from food trucks, and more libations from the mobile bar. Unseasonably warm for November, the Muster brought abundant sunshine and the brightest of the Museum’s team and supporters. The recently refurbished UH-1B Huey helicopter took center stage in the middle of the field, providing a historic and epic backdrop for fun photo opportunities.

The 39th Annual Muster and Music Festival embodied the Navy SEAL Museum’s commitment to its mission, highlighting the power of partnerships that support the Museum’s work and honor the enduring legacy of the Navy SEALs. This year’s theme, Strategic Partners, was a powerful reminder of how collaboration fuels the Museum’s growth, outreach, and dedication to the values of courage, commitment, and community.

We are grateful for the backing of our sponsors, partners, Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, neighbors, and SEALs who generously give of their time and support. Thank you for ensuring the Museum’s continued success and expanding its influence.

Please visit our Muster page for a gallery of images. The event video will be posted soon.

Save the date for next year’s 40th Annual Muster on November 7 and 8, 2025.v

Scramble the Seawolves

On October 31, the Navy SEAL Museum welcomed more than 200 guests in honor and celebration of the Seawolves. The night was dedicated to acknowledging courage, resilience, and the unwavering dedication of these elite volunteers.

During the Vietnam War, HA(L)3 (Helicopter Attack Squadron Light 3), nicknamed Seawolves, was an

all-volunteer U.S. Navy helicopter squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations. These squadrons were experts in quick reactionary, close air-support, and known for going where others dared not tread.

The event, hosted in the Museum’s and grounds in Fort Pierce, attracted roughly 100 Seawolves and their guests, sponsors, and military supporters from across the nation who came together to honor the legacy of the men who defied odds, ignored danger, and unabashedly supported Navy SEALs in Vietnam. Many of these men reunited for the first time in decades, connecting with old stories and old times.

The evening was an unforgettable one of camaraderie, entertainment, and thanksgiving. Opening with artist Charlie Sembler welcoming these warriors at the door, inviting them to stamp their initials into a metal shield that was later attached to The Seawolf statue of his creation. The reception opened with food from Little Jim, sponsored by Audrey and Dan Richey. The bar was graciously donated by Beth and Charlie Sembler, along with a special cocktail, made in the honor of these men. Guests mingled while enjoying cocktails and light bites.

The formal program opened with Museum Executive Director Grant Mann welcoming everyone and thanking them for their participation in the Recommissioning History campaign, that refurbished the UH-1B Huey helicopter that was later unveiled for its initial showing, some of the original crew in attendance to see it again for the first time since its refurbishment The helicopter will live as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.

Charlie Sembler and Dan Richey then together mixed and presented the special libation of the evening, The Seawolf, each ingredient a meaningful representation of the blood, sweat, and tears Seawolves shed in the jungles and deltas of Vietnam.

Captain (SEAL) Rick Woolard, USN (Retired) offered a moving toast, then gave the keynote address, thanking his brothers in arms for their commitment to the SEALs. He acknowledged many would not be here today without their selfless service and sacrifice.

The inspiring and impactful night continued with LCDR Jim Fuller, USN (Retired), Seawolf Crew, addressing the crowd. Emotional and ever thankful, Mr. Fuller spoke with great admiration and respect of his fellow Seawolves. He shared firsthand accounts of their missions and experiences, emphasizing the courage, resilience, and adaptability required for success.

“We had our place in Vietnam, may not have had a place when we returned, but it seems we have found our home here at the Navy SEAL Museum.”

Following the speakers, Mr. Sembler introduced Kurt Stevens, singer and songwriter, who performed two songs to mark the occasion, “Cost of Freedom” and “Seawolves in the Sky.” Kurt was commissioned by the Semblers to sing “Seawolves in the Sky”, written by Charlie to honor the service of the Seawolves. Not many eyes were dry in the room. The song can be accessed by visiting the Museum’s website.

With the generous support of stellar volunteer Cindy Lee, elegant displays of miniature Huey décor and Vietnam-themed foliage was placed around the venue, helping to provide an immersive experience that bridged the past and present. Many thanks to all our volunteers who supported this endeavor.

As the evening wound down, Grant invited guests outside where The Seawolf statue was unveiled. It is on display and can now be enjoyed by visiting Museum guests.

The refurbished Huey was front center for this event for the guests of honor to have their images taken with, all while recounting memories of the past and the time spent in the aircraft’s seats. Special thanks to Pat Rodgers of Aircraft Restoration Services out of Murietta, California. It is only with Mr. Rodgers expertise and experience this aircraft was restored to its original glory and safely delivered to the Museum.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Seawolf and Museum supporter Al Scott, who passed away just a year ago. He would have been tickled to be reunited with his fellow Seawolves at the Museum, and to witness the gratitude extended to this group, long overdue. This event was largely inspired by him.

The Navy SEAL Museum looks forward to building on the success of the Seawolves event, encouraging this community, and continuing to honor their service by caring for precious artifacts like the Huey. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved for making this event a resounding success. With exceeding gratitude for the courageous men of Helicopter
Attack Squadron (Light) 3. We honor you.

Visit this page to view the gallery of images and watch the event in its entirety.

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