Navy SEAL Monument

Navy SEALs trace their heritage to World War II units formed near Virginia Beach and at other sites to scout landing beaches, guide assault craft, clear underwater obstacles, conduct combat swimming, gather intelligence, and support guerrilla operations. Their predecessors included the Amphibious Scouts and Raiders, the Special Mission Naval Demolition Unit, Operational Naval Demolition Unit Number 1, Naval Combat Demolition Units, the Office of Strategic Services Maritime Unit, Special Services Unit Number 1, the Sino-American Cooperative Organization effort, and the Underwater Demolition Teams, whose "Naked Warriors" swam through enemy waters under fire with minimal equipment to measure depths, mark obstacles, and demolish barriers ahead of amphibious landings. Underwater Demolition Teams served across the Pacific in World War II, then in Korea and later crises, while also supporting the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and their men went on to create the SEAL Teams. Established in January 1962 for unconventional warfare, the SEAL teams forged their identity in Vietnam, then expanded capabilities and took part in operations including Grenada, the response to the Achille Lauro hijacking, Panama, Mogadishu, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, the operation against Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, and multiple hostage rescues. The account also honors Medal of Honor recipients, fallen teammates, war dogs killed in action, the love and strength of families, and the symbolic chain linking major SEAL heritage sites at Fort Pierce, Waimanalo, Coronado, and Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach, Virginia · United States