Today's SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) teams trace their history to the first group of
volunteers selected from the Naval Construction Battalions (SeaBees) in the
spring of 1943. These volunteers were organized into special teams called Navy
Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs). The units were tasked with reconnoitering and
clearing beach obstacles for troops going ashore during amphibious landings, and
evolved into Combat Swimmer Reconnaissance Units.
The NCDUs distinguished themselves during
World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. In 1947, the Navy
organized its first underwater offensive strike units. During the Korean
Conflict, these Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) took part in the landing at
Inchon as well as other missions including demolition raids on bridges and
tunnels accessible from the water. They also conducted limited minesweeping
operations in harbors and rivers.
During the 1960s, each branch of the armed forces formed its own
counterinsurgency force. The Navy utilized UDT personnel to form separate units
called SEAL teams. January 1962 marked the commissioning of SEAL Team ONE in the
Pacific Fleet and SEAL Team TWO in the Atlantic Fleet. These teams were
developed to conduct unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare and
clandestine operations in both blue and brown water environments.
Concurrently, Naval Operations Support
Groups were formed to aid UDTs, SEALs, and two other unique units ---Boat
Support and Beach Jumpers --- in administration, planning, research, and
development. During the Vietnam War, UDTs performed reconnaissance missions and
SEALs carried out numerous offensive operations. In 1967, the Naval Operations
Support Groups were renamed Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWGs) as involvement
increased in limited conflicts and special operations.
In 1983, existing UDTs were redesignated as SEAL teams and/or SEAL Delivery
Vehicle Teams and the requirement for hydrographic reconnaissance and underwater
demolition became SEAL missions.
The Naval Special Warfare
Command was commissioned April 16, 1987, at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado,
Calif. Its mission is to prepare Naval Special Warfare forces to carry out their
assigned missions and to develop special operations strategy, doctrine, and
tactics.
SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) teams go through what is considered by some to be the
toughest military training in the world. Basic Underwater Demolition/ SEAL
(BUD/S) training is conducted at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado.
Students encounter obstacles that develop and test their stamina, leadership and
ability to work as a team.
How
to apply for BUD/S Training
For more detailed information about the Navy SEALs contact:
Public Affairs Office
Naval Special Warfare Command
Naval Amphibious Base Coronado
San Diego, CA 92155-5037
(619) 437-3920
Return to the Fact File table of contents.