The '''United States Navy SEALs''' are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the [[Naval Special Warfare Command]]. The SEALs are trained to operate in all environments (sea, air, and land) for which they are named. They are considered one of the most elite special operations forces in the world.
[[File:U.S._Navy_SEALs_Special_Warfare_insignia.png|thumb|right|U.S. Navy SEALs Special Warfare insignia]]
The '''United States Navy SEALs''' are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. The SEALs are trained to operate in all environments (Sea, Air, and Land) for which they are named. They are considered one of the most elite special operations forces in the world.
==History==
==History==
The origins of the Navy SEALs trace back to the [[World War II]] era, with the establishment of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). These units were instrumental in clearing obstacles for amphibious landings during the war. The SEALs were officially established by President [[John F. Kennedy]] in 1962, in response to the need for a maritime special operations force.
The origins of the Navy SEALs trace back to the [[World War II]] era, with the establishment of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). These units were instrumental in clearing obstacles for amphibious landings during the war.
===World War II===
[[File:Charp_W._H._Acheson_CEC.jpg|thumb|left|W. H. Acheson, CEC]]
During World War II, the U.S. Navy recognized the need for a specialized unit to clear obstacles and conduct reconnaissance on enemy beaches. The NCDUs were formed in 1943 and played a crucial role in the [[D-Day]] landings in Normandy. The UDTs were later established to conduct similar operations in the Pacific Theater.
===Formation===
The SEALs were officially established by President [[John F. Kennedy]] in 1962, in response to the need for a maritime special operations force. The first two SEAL teams were formed in January 1962, with Team One based on the West Coast and Team Two on the East Coast.
===Vietnam War===
===Vietnam War===
The SEALs saw extensive action during the [[Vietnam War]], where they conducted counter-guerrilla operations and reconnaissance missions. Their effectiveness in the dense jungles and waterways of Vietnam earned them a formidable reputation.
During the [[Vietnam War]], SEALs were deployed in the Mekong Delta to conduct counterinsurgency operations. They gained a reputation for their effectiveness in unconventional warfare.
[[File:NavySeal1967Vietnam.jpg|thumb|right|Navy SEAL in Vietnam, 1967]]
===Post-Vietnam and Modern Era===
===Post-Vietnam and Modern Era===
After Vietnam, the SEALs continued to evolve, participating in operations such as the invasion of [[Grenada]] in 1983, the [[Persian Gulf War]] in 1991, and the [[War on Terror]] following the September 11 attacks. SEALs were involved in the capture of [[Osama bin Laden]] in 2011.
After Vietnam, the SEALs continued to evolve, participating in operations such as the invasion of Grenada, the capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama, and the Gulf War. In the 21st century, they have been involved in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the high-profile mission that resulted in the death of [[Osama bin Laden]] in 2011.
==Training==
==Training==
The training to become a Navy SEAL is one of the most rigorous in the world. Candidates must complete Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, which includes "Hell Week," a grueling test of physical and mental endurance. Following BUD/S, candidates undergo SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) to develop specialized skills.
SEAL training is known for its intensity and difficulty. The Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is a rigorous program that tests candidates' physical and mental endurance. It includes phases such as "Hell Week," where candidates undergo continuous physical training with minimal rest.
==Organization==
==Organization==
The SEALs are organized into several teams, each with specific operational capabilities. These include SEAL Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, as well as the [[Naval Special Warfare Development Group]] (DEVGRU), also known as SEAL Team 6.
The SEALs are part of the [[United States Special Operations Command]] (USSOCOM) and are organized into several teams, each with specific operational capabilities. They are supported by Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), who operate specialized boats for maritime operations.
==Equipment==
[[File:Lt_Luehrs_CO_UDT_3.jpg|thumb|left|Lt. Luehrs, CO UDT 3]]
SEALs are equipped with a wide range of specialized weapons and equipment, including the [[M4 carbine]], [[HK416]], and various types of diving gear. They also utilize advanced technology for reconnaissance and communication.
==Operations==
==Operations==
SEALs have been involved in numerous high-profile operations, including the rescue of Captain [[Richard Phillips]] from Somali pirates in 2009 and the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in [[Abbottabad]], Pakistan.
SEALs are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense. They are capable of operating in all environments, from arctic to desert, and are often deployed in small teams for covert operations.
==Related pages==
[[File:80-G-244701_Lt_Crist,_Lt_Cmdr._Kauffman,_and_Lt_Carberry_awards.jpg|thumb|right|Lt. Crist, Lt. Cmdr. Kauffman, and Lt. Carberry awards]]
* [[Naval Special Warfare Command]]
* [[Special operations forces]]
==Equipment==
* [[United States Navy]]
SEALs use a wide range of specialized equipment, including advanced diving gear, weapons, and vehicles. They are equipped to operate in maritime, jungle, urban, and mountainous environments.
==Notable Operations==
* Operation Neptune Spear: The mission that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.
* Operation Red Wings: A mission in Afghanistan that resulted in the loss of several SEALs, later depicted in the film "Lone Survivor."
==References==
[[File:US_Navy_SEALs_SEAL_jumps_over_side_boat.jpg|thumb|left|SEAL jumps over side boat]]
* "Navy SEALs: A History Part I: WWII to the Present" by Kevin Dockery
* "The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228" by Dick Couch
* "SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper" by Howard E. Wasdin
==Gallery==
==Related pages==
<gallery>
* [[United States Naval Special Warfare Command]]
File:U.S._Navy_SEALs_Special_Warfare_insignia.png|U.S. Navy SEALs Special Warfare insignia
* [[Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen]]
File:Naval_Combat_Demolition_Unit_45.jpg|Naval Combat Demolition Unit 45
* [[United States Special Operations Command]]
File:Charp_W._H._Acheson_CEC.jpg|W. H. Acheson, CEC
File:Lt_Luehrs_CO_UDT_3.jpg|Lt. Luehrs, CO UDT 3
File:80-G-244701_Lt_Crist,_Lt_Cmdr._Kauffman,_and_Lt_Carberry_awards.jpg|Lt. Crist, Lt. Cmdr. Kauffman, and Lt. Carberry awards
File:NavySeal1967Vietnam.jpg|Navy SEAL in Vietnam, 1967
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1967-1969.jpg|Presidential Unit Citation SEAL Team Two 1967-1969
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1969-1971.jpg|Presidential Unit Citation SEAL Team Two 1969-1971
File:US_Navy_100107-N-0000X-003_Members_of_Seal_Team_4_pose_for_a_group_photo_before_Operation_Just_Cause.jpg|SEAL Team 4 before Operation Just Cause
File:U.S._Navy_Sea-Air-Land_(SEAL)_team_members_wearing_chemical-biological_masks_train_in_the_Southern_California_desert_DN-ST-88-06287.jpg|SEAL team members training in Southern California desert
File:US_Navy_SEALs_at_Zhawar_Kili_cave_entrance.jpg|SEALs at Zhawar Kili cave entrance
File:US_Navy_SEALs_in_Khawar_Kili.jpg|SEALs in Khawar Kili
File:US_Navy_050628-N-0000X-005_Navy_file_photo_of_SEAL_Lt._Michael_P._Murphy,_from_Patchogue,_N.Y.,_and_Sonar_Technician_(Surface)_2nd_Class_Matthew_G._Axelson,_of_Cupertino,_Calif.,_taken_in_Afghanistan.jpg|SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy and Sonar Technician 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson
File:Coalition_special_operations_forces_at_work_in_Afghanistan_120830-N-VY959-055.jpg|Coalition special operations forces in Afghanistan
File:AlBasrahMESD823.png|Al Basrah MESD
File:SEAL_Michael_A._Monsoor.jpg|SEAL Michael A. Monsoor
File:United_States_Navy_SEALs_81.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_071019-N-6552M-024_A_team_of_four_SEAL_trainees_prepare_to_breach_a_room_during_a_SEAL_qualification_training_exercise.jpg|SEAL trainees during a qualification training exercise
File:US_Navy_SEALs_in_from_water.jpg|SEALs emerging from water
File:SEAL_Delivery_Vehicle_Team_(SDV)_2.jpg|SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 2
File:SEAL_delivery_vehicle_team_fast-roping_from_a_MH-60S_Seahawk_to_USS_Toledo.jpg|SEAL delivery vehicle team fast-roping
File:Combat_Rubber_Raiding_Craft_manned_by_SEAL-Team_5.jpg|Combat Rubber Raiding Craft manned by SEAL Team 5
File:SEAL-TEAM1.jpg|SEAL Team 1
File:SEAL-TEAM2.jpg|SEAL Team 2
File:SEAL-TEAM3.jpg|SEAL Team 3
File:SEAL-TEAM4.jpg|SEAL Team 4
File:SEAL-TEAM5.jpg|SEAL Team 5
File:Logo_Naval_Special_Warfare_Development_Group.svg|Logo of Naval Special Warfare Development Group
File:SEAL-TEAM7.jpg|SEAL Team 7
File:Logo_for_Seal_Team_8.svg|Logo for SEAL Team 8
File:SEAL-TEAM10.jpg|SEAL Team 10
File:Sealdeliveryvehicleteamonepatchsmall.jpg|SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One patch
File:PO1_GC.png|Petty Officer First Class insignia
File:PO2_GC.png|Petty Officer Second Class insignia
File:PO3_GC.png|Petty Officer Third Class insignia
File:Ram_air_square.jpg|Ram air square
File:GROM_with_Navy_SEALs_01.jpg|GROM with Navy SEALs
File:100930-N-4420S-301_(19027732990).jpg|Navy SEALs in action
File:140928-N-GT589-210_(23434331782).jpg|Navy SEALs training
File:US_Navy_051214-N-0000L-001_Aviation_Structural_Mechanic_1st_Class_Josh_Leasure_is_reenlisted_by_Lt._Geoff_Reeves_as_other_members_of_the_Leap_Frogs_Navy_parachute_team_look_on_high_above_San_Diego.jpg|Navy parachute team reenlistment
File:2_Seals_aiming_with_their_weapons.jpg|SEALs aiming with their weapons
File:NavalSpecialWarfare3.jpg|Naval Special Warfare
File:Navy_SEAL.JPEG|Navy SEAL
File:130716-N-AT856-006_(19027713160).jpg|Navy SEALs in training
File:A_Seal_Team_is_coming_out_of_water.jpg|SEAL Team coming out of water
File:A_seal_during_the_sun_set.jpg|SEAL during sunset
File:US_Navy_090624-N-7883G-034_Basic_Underwater_Demolition-SEAL_(BUD-S)_students_wade_ashore_on_San_Clemente_Island_during_an_over_the_beach_exercise.jpg|BUD/S students wade ashore
File:United_States_Navy_SEALs_614.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:141209-N-FH305-1795_(19267128131).jpg|Navy SEALs in action
File:100717-N-6214F-058_(23099683523).jpg|Navy SEALs training
</gallery>
[[Category:United States Navy SEALs]]
[[Category:United States Navy SEALs]]
[[Category:Special operations forces of the United States]]
[[Category:Special forces of the United States]]
<gallery>
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1962]]
File:U.S._Navy_SEALs_Special_Warfare_insignia.png|United States Navy SEALs
File:80-G-244701_Lt_Crist,_Lt_Cmdr._Kauffman,_and_Lt_Carberry_awards.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Navy_SEALS_Juliet_Platoon.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:428-K-74894.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:NavySeal1967Vietnam.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1967-1969.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1969-1971.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_100107-N-0000X-003_Members_of_Seal_Team_4_pose_for_a_group_photo_before_Operation_Just_Cause.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:U.S._Navy_Sea-Air-Land_(SEAL)_team_members_wearing_chemical-biological_masks_train_in_the_Southern_California_desert_DN-ST-88-06287.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_SEALs_in_Khawar_Kili.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_050628-N-0000X-005_Navy_file_photo_of_SEAL_Lt._Michael_P._Murphy,_from_Patchogue,_N.Y.,_and_Sonar_Technician_(Surface)_2nd_Class_Matthew_G._Axelson,_of_Cupertino,_Calif.,_taken_in_Afghanistan.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Coalition_special_operations_forces_at_work_in_Afghanistan_120830-N-VY959-055.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:U.S._Navy_SEALs_Special_Warfare_insignia.png|United States Navy SEALs
File:80-G-244701_Lt_Crist,_Lt_Cmdr._Kauffman,_and_Lt_Carberry_awards.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Navy_SEALS_Juliet_Platoon.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:428-K-74894.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:NavySeal1967Vietnam.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1967-1969.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Presidential_Unit_Citation_SEAL_TEAM_TWO_1969-1971.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_100107-N-0000X-003_Members_of_Seal_Team_4_pose_for_a_group_photo_before_Operation_Just_Cause.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:U.S._Navy_Sea-Air-Land_(SEAL)_team_members_wearing_chemical-biological_masks_train_in_the_Southern_California_desert_DN-ST-88-06287.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_SEALs_in_Khawar_Kili.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:US_Navy_050628-N-0000X-005_Navy_file_photo_of_SEAL_Lt._Michael_P._Murphy,_from_Patchogue,_N.Y.,_and_Sonar_Technician_(Surface)_2nd_Class_Matthew_G._Axelson,_of_Cupertino,_Calif.,_taken_in_Afghanistan.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
File:Coalition_special_operations_forces_at_work_in_Afghanistan_120830-N-VY959-055.jpg|United States Navy SEALs
</gallery>
Latest revision as of 18:51, 23 March 2025
U.S. Navy SEALs Special Warfare insignia
The United States Navy SEALs are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. The SEALs are trained to operate in all environments (Sea, Air, and Land) for which they are named. They are considered one of the most elite special operations forces in the world.
The origins of the Navy SEALs trace back to the World War II era, with the establishment of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). These units were instrumental in clearing obstacles for amphibious landings during the war.
The SEALs were officially established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, in response to the need for a maritime special operations force. The first two SEAL teams were formed in January 1962, with Team One based on the West Coast and Team Two on the East Coast.
During the Vietnam War, SEALs were deployed in the Mekong Delta to conduct counterinsurgency operations. They gained a reputation for their effectiveness in unconventional warfare.
After Vietnam, the SEALs continued to evolve, participating in operations such as the invasion of Grenada, the capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama, and the Gulf War. In the 21st century, they have been involved in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the high-profile mission that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.
SEAL training is known for its intensity and difficulty. The Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training is a rigorous program that tests candidates' physical and mental endurance. It includes phases such as "Hell Week," where candidates undergo continuous physical training with minimal rest.
The SEALs are part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and are organized into several teams, each with specific operational capabilities. They are supported by Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), who operate specialized boats for maritime operations.
SEALs are trained to conduct a variety of missions, including direct action, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense. They are capable of operating in all environments, from arctic to desert, and are often deployed in small teams for covert operations.
Lt. Crist, Lt. Cmdr. Kauffman, and Lt. Carberry awards
SEALs use a wide range of specialized equipment, including advanced diving gear, weapons, and vehicles. They are equipped to operate in maritime, jungle, urban, and mountainous environments.
