NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Sept. 9, 2022): In this photo by MC2 Alex Perlman, Sailors assigned to Naval Special Warfare command operate a diver propulsion device while training at high altitude. The Navy’s dive program has a long and colorful history which began in WWII with the Normandy Invasion and continues today as a vital component of U.S. special operations around the world.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (Sept. 9, 2022): As the allies were developing plans for the Normandy Invasion, it was clear that an unconventional force was needed to conduct beach reconnaissance of the potential landing zones prior to sending thousands of men ashore. In 1942, a group of Army and Navy personnel were assembled to identify and reconnoiter beach landing sites and to guide the assault waves as they landed on the French coast. Called Scouts and Raiders, these early “frog men” would go on to support landings on beaches in North Africa and in Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio on the Italian coast.
The first group of these unconventional warriors was led by Phil H. Bucklew, the “Father of Naval Special Warfare”, who is credited with consolidating the Navy’s special operations units, including the SEALS, under one umbrella. Beginning with the Normandy landings where he evaded German patrols to scout Omaha Beach, Bucklew’s military career continued through Korea and Vietnam, and he was awarded the two Navy Crosses and a Silver Star for his service.
Today’s Naval Warfare School, based at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California, trains the Navy SEALS in underwater demolition, covert insertion, and reconnaissance. These superbly trained warriors go ashore with assault boats, erect markers for incoming craft, blow up beach obstacles and maintain communications with the troops ashore.
It takes courage and incredible dedication to perform this dangerous mission which are critical to America’s success on the battlefield. At Support Our Troops, our mission is to provide comfort items for our active duty servicemembers by shipping Yellow Ribbon Care Packages to our overseas deployed military. We strive to give deployed troops “what they need, where they need it” paid for with generous donations to our Patriots Brigade® by Americans like you. Won’t you take a moment, right now, to help us send a little bit of comfort their way to boost their spirits during the holidays? Please visit our secure website https://supportourtroops.org/donate to donate to America’s finest today!