WASHINGTON – The acting commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard sent the below message to the Coast Guard in honor of the U.S. Navy. 
 

1. Congratulations to the United States Navy on your 250th Birthday!  
 

2. Since 1775, America’s Navy has stood as a global beacon of strength, freedom, and security. More than just marking another year, this anniversary celebrates the Navy’s legacy  
of strategic dominance of the sea, enduring commitment to preserving peace through strength, and readiness to fight and win that defines every Sailor.  
 

3. The Navy’s ability to project power and control the sea has been vital to safeguarding our nation and our values. Just as the Coast Guard controls, secures, and defends the  
U.S. border and maritime approaches, the Navy’s mastery of the seas preserves freedom of navigation around the world and ensures our strategic advantage across domains. 

  
4. Today, we honor the Navy trailblazers who advanced maritime power, the dedicated Sailors who stand watch around the world, and the innovative leaders who continue to secure our warfighting edge. Your commitment to protecting our nation’s interests at sea ensures we will prevail.  

 
5. On behalf of the United States Coast Guard, I extend our best wishes to the United States Navy on this momentous occasion. We are proud to serve with you as part of the  
Joint Force.  

 
6. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), sends. 

Radar will bring advanced capability to the German Navy 

Release From RTX

ANDOVER, Mass. (October 8, 2025) — Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has been selected by the German government to provide the Raytheon-built SPY-6(V)1 radar for installation on eight of its F127 frigates under a requested foreign military sales contract with the U.S. Navy. The contract, which would also include comprehensive support and services to adapt the radar to the ship’s design, will make Germany the first international customer for SPY-6. 

SPY-6(V)1 features four array faces – each equipped with 37 radar modular assemblies – providing continuous, 360-degree situational awareness. It is part of the U.S. Navy’s SPY-6 family of radars that performs air and missile defense on seven classes of ships and is a giant leap in capability for the fleet. 

“Germany’s selection of SPY-6 reaffirms the global confidence in the radar’s advanced capabilities and its critical role in enhancing naval defense,” said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. “Integrating the radar on F127 frigates will provide the German Navy with a multi-mission solution that enables faster and more informed decision-making at sea.” 

SPY-6 is the most advanced, most tested maritime radar in the world. It is one of several radar programs designed and manufactured at Raytheon’s Radar Development Facility in Andover, Mass., a 30,000-square foot site supporting the production of diverse types of radars for U.S. and allied forces. This vertically integrated and highly automated site is one of the most advanced in the world, with sophisticated radar testing and integration happening around the clock. 

LEESBURG, Va., October 7, 2025 — The Flying Ship Company (FSC), a pioneer in autonomous wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) cargo logistics, has been selected as a winner in the U.S. Army xTechSearch 9 Competition in the Contested Logistics and Sustainment technical domain. Flying Ship was granted an initial award of $25,000 with up to $250,000 available in follow-up Phase I SBIR funding to further mature prototype demonstrations. 

“We are honored to be selected a winner in the U.S. Army’s xTechSearch 9 Competition, in which the Army recognizes FSC’s solutions as a potential game-changer for resupply, sustainment, and movement of materiel in adversarial environments,” said Flying Ship Company Founder and CEO Bill Peterson. “This award, along with our Phase I SBIR award from AFWERX last year and continued interest from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, demonstrates significant customer interest in our innovations across the military service branches.” 

The xTechSearch program seeks breakthrough commercial technologies that can provide critical advantages to the U.S. Army. In the 2025 contest, finalists were selected from a highly competitive field and underwent rigorous evaluations by Army and DoD subject-matter experts. Less than 5% of applicants were selected as winners and admitted to the next phase of the accelerator program, which includes workshops and tailored support, and is designed to help position emerging companies for long-term success and integration into the Army and DoD ecosystem. 

In today’s era where anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) efforts have become more relevant, traditional supply lines such as ocean shipping, ports and airlift are increasingly vulnerable to interdiction. This is especially acute in maritime domains, where adversaries may leverage submarines, missiles, or mines to disrupt seaborne logistics. FSC’s autonomous WIG platforms travel low over the water, under radar and above sonar, and deliver large payloads on water or to flat shorelines, bypassing chokepoints and constrained harbor infrastructure. 

“Winning the xTechSearch 9 competition provides third-party validation of our technological direction and increases credibility with potential defense customers,” Peterson said. “But it also affirms the commercial promise of FSC’s platforms and positions the company for accelerated growth and investment as we move towards production of initial versions.”  

“The commercial maritime and offshore logistics sectors are actively adopting autonomous technologies,” Peterson continued. “Our patented autonomous WIG platforms are on track to capture share from conventional shipping, helicopter lift, and sea barges, positioning us for outsized returns as the first-mover provider of autonomous WIG logistics solutions.” 

The Flying Ship Company is honored by this recognition from the U.S. Army and excited to move rapidly toward demonstration, adoption, and value generation for both national security and commercial markets. This selection represents a pivotal inflection point—not just for our company, but for the future of maritime logistics. 

From HII 

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has successfully completed initial sea trials for Virginia-class attack submarine Massachusetts (SSN 798). 

Over the course of several days at sea, the NNS and Navy team conducted testing of systems and components, including submerging the submarine for the first time and high-speed maneuvers while on the surface and submerged. The testing program will continue at NNS ahead of delivering the boat to the U.S. Navy. 

“Our entire team at Newport News Shipbuilding understands the importance of delivering capability to our fleet,” NNS President Kari Wilkinson said. “Proving capabilities through this first sea trial for Massachusetts is an important step in demonstrating this and we are honored to support the mission.” 

The boat, the 25^th Virginia-class submarine, was christened in May 2023; Massachusetts will be the 12^th delivered by NNS. 

From Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Oct. 6, 2025 

Projected Initial Ceiling Across Program Phases $175 Million 

155,000-Square-Foot Indiana Radar Integration Complex Will Deliver Next-Generation Readiness for Naval Surface Fleet 

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a technology company in defense, national security, and global markets, announced today that it has been awarded Phase 1 to begin developing an organic sustainment capability for the U.S. Navy’s AN/SPY-1 radar systems. Known internally to Kratos as Project Anaconda, the single-award agreement has an initial total projected ceiling of $175 million across multiple phases. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a81fd3f-604f-44dd-b027-4da8722fe005

The AN/SPY-1 radar remains one of the most critical assets in the Navy’s fleet, enabling ballistic missile defense, integrated air and missile warfare, and persistent maritime domain awareness across Aegis-equipped cruisers and destroyers. With many systems projected to remain in service through 2065, the Navy has prioritized building long-term, organic sustainment and depot-level support capacity to ensure uninterrupted fleet readiness. 

Central to Kratos’ solution is the new, Kratos owned and operated, state-of-the-art Indiana Radar Integration Complex (IRIC), strategically located within 1.5 miles of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane. The 155,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in 2027 providing the U.S. Navy with a dedicated infrastructure for AN/SPY-1 sustainment and modernization. 

Under Phase 1, Kratos will lead a cross-industry team to: 

• Establish the foundation for the IRIC at NSWC Crane, a purpose-built facility to support AN/SPY-1 battle sparing, testing, and prototyping 

• Develop initial organic repair, overhaul, and modernization processes for AN/SPY-1 transmitter, signal processor, and antenna subsystems 

• Advance digital engineering, artificial intelligence–enabled data management, and prototype sustainment technologies 

• Coordinate closely with NSWC Crane, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems, and Navy fleet stakeholders to ensure alignment with fleet sustainment priorities and readiness 

“This strategic award validates Kratos’ proven approach of making significant internal investments in national security-focused infrastructure and capabilities to generate significant value for all Kratos stakeholders, including the United States,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos. “The AN/SPY-1 program and our new IRIC represent the intersection of Kratos’ core philosophies: rapidly developing affordable, real-world solutions for critical defense needs, while providing true long-term value to our government customers, the U.S. taxpayer, and our entire stakeholder community. We anticipate that the Anaconda program will generate multi-decade value for both the United States Navy and Kratos.” 

“Kratos’ MACH-TB contract award, the establishment of Prometheus Energetics LLC, and now the AN/SPY-1 sustainment contract award demonstrate Kratos’ commitment to pursuing business in the Crane region,” said Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services Division. “Like our investments in Oriole, Zeus, Erinyes, and Prometheus, this initiative will rapidly provide the competency needed to sustain warfighter capabilities. Kratos is proud to be a member of the Indiana Uplands community.” 

“Phase 1 at Crane sets the stage for the Navy’s first organic sustainment capability for the AN/SPY-1 radar,” said Roger A. Becker, Indiana site director for Kratos. “By combining advanced prototyping, workforce development, and strong industry-government collaboration, we are building a foundation that will ensure readiness is delivered through 2065.” 

The contract will be executed in multiple phases, with additional work authorized as milestones are achieved. This phased approach allows the Navy and Kratos to mitigate risk, accelerate key capabilities, and scale sustainment infrastructure to meet long-term fleet requirements. 

Release From Hanwha

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 6, 2025 – Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and former Program Executive Officer, Ships Tom Anderson has joined Hanwha Defense USA as President of U.S. Shipbuilding.  

Anderson served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years, including leadership roles as PEO, Ships and acting Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), where he was responsible for acquiring, maintaining and modernizing the U.S. Navy’s ships.   

Over the course of his career, he served in a variety of industrial, fleet, program office and headquarters assignments in ship design and construction, maintenance, budgeting and requirements for the Navy’s ships, submarines and systems. 

Anderson will be responsible for the execution of Hanwha’s U.S. shipbuilding programs and shipyard operations, including developing the company’s strategy for future shipbuilding programs as well as building the company’s shipbuilding infrastructure and associated workforce to accommodate future growth.   

“Tom has had a distinguished and impactful naval career, and we are delighted to bring his deep industry expertise, creative thinking, and demonstrated leadership to Hanwha,” said Mike Smith, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense USA.  “This is a pivotal time for the Navy and U.S. shipbuilding writ large.  Tom brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives that will accelerate the delivery of novel solutions to our customers’ most elusive industrial base challenges.”  

“Hanwha’s global defense strategy is focused on our evolution into a multi-domestic company that brings leading technology, deeper partnerships and sovereign capacity to each of the markets we serve,” said Michael Coulter, Hanwha Global Defense President and CEO. “I am excited to welcome Tom to our team as we continue to invest in capacity in the United States.”   

Last December, Hanwha—a global conglomerate with a world-class shipbuilding arm—acquired the Philly Shipyard for $100 million. With the acquisition, Hanwha is focused on revitalizing the Hanwha Philly Shipyard as part of its wider goal of increasing U.S. maritime capacity and the U.S. maritime industrial base.  

Drawing on its decades of shipbuilding expertise and know-how, Hanwha is making significant investments in expanding its Philadelphia shipyard’s capabilities with technological advancements, workforce training and smart systems, creating significantly more shipbuilding capacity and thousands of new skilled manufacturing jobs in the U.S. 

Joint Team Hits Key Milestone in Submarine-Launched UUV Ops 

Release From HII

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A joint team from HII (NYSE: HII), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC Division Newport) has successfully completed the first recovery of a second-generation REMUS 620 into a Virginia-class submarine torpedo tube and shutterway test fixture at Seneca Lake, New York. 

This milestone, achieved less than seven months after integrating WHOI’s Yellow Moray torpedo tube launch and recovery (TTL&R) technology into the next-generation REMUS 620 medium unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV), marks a major step forward in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force’s efforts to launch and recover autonomous undersea vehicles from submarine torpedo tubes. 

An in-water test by the joint team confirmed the ability of REMUS 620 to conduct complex autonomous navigational and communication protocols in safely docking with the shock and fire enclosure capsule (SAFECAP) loaded into a submerged Virginia-class submarine fixture. The REMUS 620 also successfully demonstrated reverse swimout launch and safe separation during this test period. 

“This successful docking validates the research and development investments and efforts of HII; specifically the REMUS 620 engineers working in close cooperation with our WHOI teammates. We leveraged WHOI’s previous three years of TTL&R work, lessons learned, and expertise to greatly accelerate our progress in successfully getting to this important milestone,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of the Unmanned Systems group in HII’s Mission Technologies division. 

Carl Hartsfield, director and senior program manager at Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL) of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, stated: “Despite a highly compressed schedule, our teams rapidly conducted testing runs, quickly evaluated the data, and made substantive adjustments to the vehicle. This is a real testament to the teamwork and professionalism between our three organizations. The REMUS 620 team’s thorough preparation working hand in hand with our technical experts at the OSL in advance was clear during all phases of the successful testing. We were also extremely impressed with the Seneca Lake NUWC support provided throughout the test schedule.” 

Former Navy and Pentagon leaders join to support scale-up, autonomy roadmap, and strategic positioning. 

Release From Blue Water Autonomy 

BOSTON – Oct. 6, 2025 –  Blue Water Autonomy, the Boston-based technology and shipbuilding company designing and producing highly adaptable unmanned ships for the U.S. Navy, today announced the formation of its Advisory Board. Blue Water Autonomy’s founding Advisory Board members include: 

• RADM (ret.) Tom Anderson, former Program Executive Officer, Ships (PEO Ships) 

• Stephen Rodriguez, Chairman of Blue Forge Alliance & dual-use investor 

• Michael Stewart, former Director, Navy Disruptive Capabilities Office and Unmanned Task Force 

• VADM (ret.) Roy Kitchener, former Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific 

Together, these leaders bring decades of experience in shipbuilding, naval operations, autonomy, and innovation policy, and have scaled defense technologies from government and the private sector. 

“As we enter the next phase of growth, this advisory board brings the expertise and leadership we need to scale fast – and to do it right,” said Rylan Hamilton, CEO and co-founder of Blue Water Autonomy. “We’re thrilled to welcome such a distinguished group who’ve spent their careers solving the exact problems we’re tackling today: how to accelerate naval capability, integrate new technologies responsibly, and strengthen the industrial base. Each of these leaders brings a firsthand understanding of Navy acquisition priorities and operational needs.” 

This announcement follows a string of recent company milestones, including a $50 million Series A investment led by Google Ventures, securing a shipyard partnership with Conrad Shipyards to begin vessel construction, a new Washington D.C. office, and recent executive hires. 

Deep Naval Experience and Technical Vision 

Rear Adm. Anderson most recently served as the Navy’s Program Executive Officer for Ships, where he oversaw the acquisition and delivery of surface combatants, amphibious ships, logistics support vessels, and more. His leadership at NAVSEA included multiple roles in design, maintenance, and modernization across 30+ ship programs. 

Stephen Rodriguez is a leading voice in dual-use technology adoption and national security investment. He is currently Chairman of Blue Forge Alliance, a key Navy partner focused on maritime industrial base revitalization. He also chairs Booz Allen Hamilton’s Defense Technology Board and works with dual-use startups through One Defense, a strategic advisory he founded. An Operating Partner at DCVC focused on defense investing, he is a Board Advisor or Director to 15 companies including several in the maritime industrial base. 

Michael Stewart brings a unique mix of operational, policy, and business experience to Blue Water. As Director of the Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities Office, he led efforts to rapidly field emerging technologies to operational commanders. He previously served as Executive Director of the Unmanned Task Force and has held senior roles at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Boeing Company, and NATO. 

With 39 years of dedicated service, Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener deployed and served around the world. He commanded destroyers, a cruiser, and an expeditionary strike group. His last assignment on active duty was as commander, Naval Surface Forces/Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet – “the SWO Boss”. 

“Blue Water Autonomy is revolutionizing naval operations by tackling the toughest hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) autonomy challenges. These challenges have hindered delivering long endurance, long range, cutting-edge USVs that enhance the U.S. Navy’s mission readiness and operational reach,” said Michael Stewart, former Director of the Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities Office. “The company’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position them as a game-changer in maritime technology.” 

“We are at an inflection point where the future of naval dominance will not be measured solely by the tonnage of our manned fleet, but by our ability to field a resilient, distributed, and software-defined force,” said Rodriguez from Washington D.C. “Long-range unmanned surface vessels represent the vanguard of this new maritime paradigm. They are not merely assets; they are a critical test of our entire defense industrial ecosystem. If we fail to create the agile acquisition pathways and collaborative bridges between our traditional shipbuilders and the autonomous systems trailblazers, we risk building a hollow navy – possessing the hardware of the 21st century but lacking the software-driven adaptability and scalable industrial base required to win a future conflict.” 

Advancing Autonomy with Urgency 

Blue Water Autonomy was founded in 2024 by robotics engineers and Navy veterans to accelerate the deployment of autonomous surface ships for operational use – not just R&D demos. The company’s platform is designed for modular multi-mission operations, rapid production at U.S.-based shipyards, and months-long autonomy at sea. 

The new advisory board reflects Blue Water’s commitment to combining startup speed with real-world accountability, Navy mission alignment, and credibility in front of government stakeholders. 

Release From SECNAV Public Affairs, Oct. 3, 2025 

Today, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan announced a wide-ranging cross departmental portfolio for the Under Secretary of the Navy (UNSECNAV) that unifies the Department’s most consequential levers for rebuilding warrior ethos and quality of service.

Secretary Phelan also congratulated Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao on his swearing-in by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and warmly welcomed him back to the Department of the Navy. 

“It is my pleasure to welcome Hung Cao to my Navy team; I look forward to having this experienced patriot lead on the highest priorities of the Secretary of War.” Secretary Phelan added, “I want to recognize with sincere gratitude, Dr. Brett Seidle, who over the past year has served as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition and has performed the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy. His steady leadership in these roles has been vital to our Navy and our nation. Dr. Seidle has informed me of his intention to retire after twenty-five years of federal service following a smooth transition to Under Secretary Cao. The Department thanks him for his distinguished service and extends its best wishes for his future endeavors.” 

As Secretary of War Hegseth told Flag and General Officers at Marine Corps Base Quantico earlier this week: “…at the War Department first and foremost we must restore a ruthless, dispassionate and common sense application of standards…Standards must be uniform, gender neutral and high. If not, they’re not standards. They’re just suggestions, suggestions that get our sons and daughters killed.” 

“That is why I am putting my Under Secretary on the field to tackle the issues that affect the daily lives of Sailors and Marines,” said Secretary Phelan. “From his years in uniform and his record of leadership, he will cut through bureaucracy, drive real solutions and keep our people first.” 

“Readiness starts at home and shows up on target,” Secretary Phelan said. “The Under Secretary’s new remit puts one quarterback and one playbook on the field to execute my gameplan for upgrading how we recruit, train, equip and take care of our people, so the Fleet stays the world’s premier, most lethal maritime force.” 

“This is about speed, standards and service,” Phelan added. “When Sailors and Marines know their families are supported, housing is right, chow is quality and systems work the first time, morale rises, performance sharpens and the force delivers.” 

Under the Secretary’s direction and consistent with governing statutes and the Department of the Navy priorities, the UNSECNAV will lead and synchronize the following lines of effort across the Department of the Navy: 

Quality of Service: The UNSECNAV will drive rapid inspections and upgrades of family housing, recreational, healthcare and educational facilities on Navy and Marine Corps installations; tighten oversight of public-private ventures and modernize nutrition both ashore and afloat to align fueling the force with warfighter readiness. 

Digital and Business Systems: As Chief Management Officer, the UNSECNAV will partner with the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer to modernize unclassified Information Technology systems and critical Defense Business Systems. Cut downtime. Simplify processes. Get Sailors, Marines, civilians and families the tools they need fast. 

Audit: The UNSECNAV will supervise the Auditor General and accelerate the Navy and Marine Corps to clean audit opinions, strengthening trust, transparency, speed of resourcing and accountability across the enterprise. 

Recruiting: The UNSECNAV will visit, assess and raise Navy and Marine Corps recruiting standards, management and organization to meet and exceed end-strength. He will capitalize on the surge of Americans motivated to serve by President Trump’s call to revitalize strength and pride in our armed forces. In line with Secretary Hegseth’s charge, standards will be high, uniform and non-negotiable. They will not be suggestions. They will be the foundation of combat power. 

Reserve Reform: The UNSECNAV coordinating with Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Chief of Naval Reserve and Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, will implement my plan for reserve reform that is already underway and produce actionable changes that integrate Reserve components as ready, lethal teammates with the active force maximizing the skills of Sailors and Marines and ensuring that reform translates into real capability. 

Wellness & Suicide Prevention: The UNSECNAV will spearhead efforts across the Department to reduce mental health incidents and strengthen the performance of our force, serving as the primary representative to interagency and Department of War bodies on prevention, response and personnel readiness. 

PCS, Families and Education Options: The UNSECNAV will represent the Department on the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force to streamline PCS orders, review on-base education and support homeschooling options so families can choose what works best for them. 

Personnel Policy: The UNSECNAV will coordinate implementation of policies for service members impacted by the rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate and update 

physical fitness standards, with a particular focus on combat units, so standards are clear, fair and combat-credible. 

Guam as a Power-Projection Platform: As the Senior Defense Official for Guam, the UNSECNAV will review and assess island infrastructure and clear barriers, including energy and material challenges, so Guam delivers as a frontline power-projection platform for Indo-Pacific operations. 

Standards and Warfighter Ethos: The UNSECNAV will implement Departmental direction on the elimination of divisive concepts and eradication of DEI initiatives within the Department of the Navy to keep time, talent and dollars on warfighting outcomes. 

The UNSECNAV portfolio ties quality of service to combat power by design so we turn everyday friction points into force multipliers that show up on time and on target. We will fix faster, cut red tape and deliver better outcomes for families and commands. Minutes saved are minutes gained in the fight.” 

“Our mission to defend the American homeland and put America first, starts in the homes of Sailors and Marines who stand the watch every day,” he continued. “When the basics work the first time, ships sail more, aircraft fly further, crews rearm and recover faster, lethality rises, risk falls and American sea power wins.” 

“One Team, One Mission, One Vision is the way we operate, the way we win, the way we lead,” Secretary Phelan said. “With this move I am giving my Under Secretary the responsibility and the tools to fix what slows us down and to fuel what makes us unbeatable.” 

SAN DIEGO — Seeking to inspire service and personal excellence among all visitors, the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is opening its doors, unlocking exclusive access and insight into the world and ethos of U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessors.

Positioned near San Diego’s waterfront at 1001 Kettner Blvd., the museum’s collection of interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art galleries, and firsthand docent accounts brings the story of Naval Special Warfare to life.

“The Navy SEAL Museum San Diego is a world-class tribute to the courage, perseverance, and dedication of these unparalleled special operators,” said Brian Drechsler, executive director of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and former Navy SEAL. “It is our honor to share this legacy, and inspire future generations to lead with integrity, serve with purpose and rise to life’s challenges.”

Building on the legacy of the existing location that opened in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1985, the Navy SEAL Museum selected San Diego for its expansion west. Central to SEAL training and home to Naval Special Warfare Command, San Diego is a heritage city for SEALs as an indelible part of their storied history. The opening of the Navy SEAL Museum’s showcase location downtown will serve as a launchpad for a larger San Diego venue in the future, for which the search is actively underway.

With an innovative blend of technology, personal narrative and historical context, the museum provides exclusive insights into the evolution, missions and mindset of the Navy SEALs. Visitors can experience an up-close look at Operation Neptune Spear, the Navy SEAL mission to neutralize Osama bin Laden, through a 3D animation narrated by retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Admiral William McRaven that walks viewers through the operation’s major steps from planning to execution.

Other exhibits include a SEAL delivery vehicle suspended above a hands-on gameplay opportunity to operate the covert submersible; a 270-degree immersive theater bringing guests into the life and service of Navy SEALs through documentary style personal accounts; artifacts and rich storytelling that bring the 80-year evolution and adaptations of Naval Special Warfare to life; and a Memorial Wall, where the fallen are never forgotten and their stories continue to inspire.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the Navy SEAL Xperience, a virtual reality mission, which uses advanced VR technology to take visitors on a pulse-pounding, first-person journey into a high-stakes hostage rescue mission.

Beyond the exhibits and attractions, the docents, mostly comprised of retired and veteran SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Crewman, make each visit a deeply personal and intimate experience. By revealing untold stories and lived values of the Navy SEALs through the voices of those who have lived the legacy — docents shine a light on the resilience, sacrifice and spirit that define the Naval Special Warfare operators.

Following in the footsteps of the flagship museum in Fort Pierce, the San Diego location will extend the museum’s inspirational mission far beyond its physical space through strategic community partnerships and proven programs that will instill hope, resilience and service-minded leadership by leveraging the Navy SEALs Ethos.

Visitors can experience these real stories, missions and heroes beginning Oct. 4, 2025. Advanced bookings are encouraged, as the museum operates on a time-entry basis. Advance ticket prices are $20 for adults, with free admission for reserve and active-duty military (with ID). Visit NavySEALMuseumSD.org for details.