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U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Video from Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge. Enjoy!
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10 high school water polo teams from the San Diego area participated in a Navy SEAL Fitness Challenge on December 13, 2009 at Coronado High School in Coronado, CA. Following the challenge was a water polo clinic held by olympic athletes, Genai Kerr and Jessie Smith.
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Thomas Schofer was awarded Top Senior during Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge at Coronado High School. His score: 782
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Clayton Silver from LaJolla High School was awarded Top Junior during Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge at Coronado High School. His score: 781
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Tom Brier from The Bishop's School was awarded Top Sophomore during Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge at Coronado High School. His score: 719
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Matt Ruple from Carlsbad High School was awarded Top Freshman during Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge at Coronado High School. His score: 787
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Check back soon for results of Sunday's SEAL Fitness Challenge along with some video of the event.
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page More than 100 high school water polo players from San Diego high schools participated in a SEAL Fitness Challenge followed by a water polo clinic taught by Olympic and National Team water polo players.
14 new photos
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page Navy Recruiting Command filmed a commercial in downtown San Diego Dec. 10. SEALs and SWCCs supported the shoot and were featured in many of the scenes. The producer of the commercial is Peter Berg, whose movie credits include Hancock and Friday Night Lights.
10 new photos
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page A third-phase student in Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training fires his rifle down range during a night live-fire exercise Dec. 3. The third phase of BUD/S training focuses on land warfare and includes training in pistol, rifle, demolitions and tactical movement. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Blake R. Midnight
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page
HOO-YAH SPECIAL BOAT TEAM CLASS 63! - SBT Class 63 graduated today at 11 a.m. in Coronado, CA. All 27 members of the class endured 21 weeks of physically and mentally demanding
training to earn the coveted Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman pin. SWCCs are superbly trained maritime mobile operators who use high-spee...d
special operations boats in coastal and riverine environments as well as open oceans. As SWCCs, the 27 men of Class 63 will go on to do missions such as Maritime Interdiction Operations, Direct Action, insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs and other Special Operations Forces, Foreign Internal Defense and gathering intelligence on enemy installations all around the globe. They also support civilian law enforcement agencies locally and abroad. Only three SBT classes graduate each year. Congratulations Class 63!
9 new photos
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page
EAST COAST SEALs OFFER AQUATICS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR FLEET SAILORS - By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Clark, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs
LITTLE CREEK, Va. (NNS) -- Members of the East Coast Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Motivating Team have established an Aquatics Outreach Program a...s part of the Sea Air Land (SEAL) and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman (SWCC) Fleet Transition Program for candidates pursuing careers in military special operations.
The NSW aquatics program is open to fleet Sailors who aspire to become SEAL or SWCC operators, with the intent on preparing candidates for the intense water skills and rigorous demands required for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) and Basic Crewman Training (BCT).
"Swimming and aquatics-based evolutions have been the Achilles' heel for most candidates who recede from BUD/S," said retired SEAL, Capt. Dave Morrison, an aquatics instructor and SEAL motivator based out of Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek, Va. "Our program was designed to address this challenge by providing the candidates with a familiarity and level of comfort in the water, as well as instruction on technique and physical conditioning that was not available to these Sailors before we started this program."
Morrison, who completed a tour as a BUD/S instructor as an active duty SEAL, said the aquatics program will open doors for candidates who are otherwise qualified for careers as SEALs and SWCCs.
"The system is tried and true," said Morrison. "The goal has never been to lower the standards for candidates at BUD/S and BCT, but rather to increase the candidate's proficiency and to prepare them mentally and physically for the challenges of this very difficult training."
The aquatics program aims extend beyond preparation for the initial entry level SEAL/SWCC training, coordinators said. These skill sets are essential for proficiency in the operational environment that SEAL and SWCC personnel work in.
"NSW constantly keeps one foot in the water," Morrison said. "These operations are what define our community, and the rigors of BUD/S and BCT are a reflection of this concentration. This is also why many shy away from the community or are unable to make it through the training."
Although the NSW community will continue to maintain its demanding environment, more candidates may find that they are up to the challenge as a result of the Aquatics Outreach Program, according to Morrison.
"We take candidates from ground zero and prepare them for the challenges," Morrison said. "This program introduces a valuable skill set to those who are uncomfortable, or who have low proficiency in the water. We are able, as a community, to incorporate candidates from a multitude of backgrounds, even if they have limited initial exposure to the water-based skills that they will need to succeed."
Engineman 2nd Class Wilmot Lloyd, who has been participating in the program for four months, said that the program is the preparation that he needs to accomplish his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.
"I wanted to be a SEAL since boot camp, but I never attempted BUD/S because I knew there was a lot of concentration on swimming and operating in the water," Lloyd said.
Lloyd has demonstrated all skills required to enter BUD/S, with the exception of swimming. He attributed his limited ability in the water to a lack of exposure to swimming during his youth.
"Petty Officer Lloyd is an ideal candidate for this program," Morrison said, speaking about Lloyd. "Before he joined the program, he basically had no exposure to the water. The first time I watched him swim, he literally sank to the bottom. He is now completing the entire swim portion and his times are improving each week."
According to Morrison, Lloyd's strongest asset is his strident dedication to his goal in the face of adversity.
"Lloyd has gone above and beyond in his commitment," said Morrison. "He is usually here early each morning to get more time in the water, and again in the afternoon for the regular session we hold."
Each candidate must demonstrate a high level of dedication in order to succeed within the program and ultimately make it through BUD/S and BCT, according to Morrison.
"This program is not easy. It is designed to test the candidates both physically and mentally,"
Morrison said. "It is a huge commitment and each candidate has to be up to it in order to succeed."
The goal, Morrison said, is to utilize programs like aquatics enhancement to provide opportunities in Naval Special Warfare for a diverse cross section of Navy personnel.
"We are not looking for one type of individual to serve in Naval Special Warfare," Morrison said. "Our operations are worldwide, and our success depends on having a diverse community. This program serves as a force multiplier in that respect."
Sailors interested in Naval Special Warfare programs are urged to contact their command career counselors.
www.navy.mil
ONE SAILOR ON DIEGO GARCIA HAS TRAINED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST YEAR TO, HOPEFULLY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE NAVY SEALS. "THE DRIVE THAT I FEEL TO BE A SEAL IS THAT YOU GO OUT THERE AND YOU NEVER QUIT - THEY NEVER QUIT. ...
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY [ SDSU ] AZTEC RUGBY TEAM ENGAGES IN NAVY SEAL TRAINING REGIMENT - On Friday November 20, the San Diego
State Aztec Rugby team got the opportunity to go to Coronado and train
with the United States Navy SEALs (United State Navy Sea, Air, and Land
Forces for Special Operations). Well respected a...s one of the most
elite forces in any military around the world. Upon arriving at the base, the Aztec team knew little about the workout
the SEALs had in store. After a quick introduction the day began with
a small run from the base across the sand to the obstacle course. The
SEAL’s then spent about twenty minutes explaining the course, and the
team quickly learned the day would not be a walk in the park.
The
obstacle course included an assortment of fifteen grueling exercises
including shuffling across parallel bars, knee high running through
tires; climbing high walls, scaling 30 foot rope ladder, jumping over
three foot hurdles and crawling through the sand. Needless to say
finishing the course in 20 minutes, if at all, was an accomplishment.
However, the SEALs were quick to show that they could do the whole
course in six minutes.
The minute the course was complete the
Navy SEALs Operations Commander had the Aztecs split into separate
teams to compete in various leadership and team building activities.
The teams’ first task was to run into the ocean, and to then roll
around in the sand and become what the SEALs call a ‘Sugar Cookie’,
putting the players in an uncomfortable state that they needed to
overcome mentally. The logs were then used as part of team exercises
including 20 minutes of sit-ups, push-ups, and crawling through the
sand. Lastly the Aztecs ran up and down sand dunes and completed a
final task of having all players line up in the push up position until
everyone in the team crawled under or over the players holding the push
up position.
The Aztecs did not only undergo physical
training, but mental training as well. The Operations Commanders put a
tremendous focus on leadership, an attitude and belief in the ability
to persevere under pressure and stress, as well as the ability to lead,
stay calm, and focus under pressure. Aztec lock Alex Main commented on
some of the aspects that the SEALs taught the Aztecs on the day, ‘It
was odd because they were thanking us for our hard work and effort,
when it should have been us thanking them. They humbly showed us that
even though we think we may be in good shape, we are far from it. They
pushed us to our breaking point both physically and mentally and we
thank them for this, because deep down they made us stronger rugby
players. There is no doubt in my mind that the gentlemen that showed us
how to push ourselves half as hard as they push themselves truly
deserve our gratitude and appreciation.’
Aztec Strength and
Conditioning Coach and former player Orin Catrett, who set up the
event, thought the day taught the Aztecs numerous lessons, ‘The best
part of having the privilege to come out here and train like this was
to see our team build the camaraderie and mental focus of working not
as individuals but as a single unit under extreme conditions. Our guys
came together to push each other and themselves above and beyond the
already high level of fitness and focus that is required in this
sport.’ Not only was Coach Catrett happy with the physical aspects,
but also the mental lessons taught, ‘The SEAL program relies on a sense
of unity and a no quit attitude in every aspect of their lives and
training which is instilled in rugby as well. The training that our
players underwent on Friday will be taken with them for the rest of
their lives. By overcoming these adversities, mentally and physically,
our team walked away with a new outlook on what it takes to go from
being an average team to being a great one.’
The SEALs also
enjoyed the opportunity to host the Aztec rugby team. Captain Adam
Curtis pointed out why rugby is a good fit for the SEALs to work with,
‘We get far more requests to host teams and clubs than we can handle.
We make an extra effort to facilitate when it's for men of the same ilk
as many of our operators. Rugby is a sport that lots of 'teamers' have
played at one time or another, and it does a pretty decent job of
revealing the kind of physical and mental toughness and character
someone needs to succeed as a SEAL. I hope we were able to give them
some good physical training, but even more importantly, I hope they
took away a few new examples of how a team working in unison can
accomplish more than a group of individuals. The Seals also enjoyed
pushing the Aztecs to their limits and showing them how far they can
go, specifically Senior Chief Jason Torey noted that ‘What most people
don't realize is that when they feel completely spent, they likely have
only performed to about 60% of their physical limit.’
The
Aztecs would like to thank the Navy SEALs for the opportunity and
experience and hope to show their appreciation by applying the lessons
learned to their training and matches in the upcoming season.
A special thanks to:
Commander Brian Casson
SOCS Jason Torey
SB1 Beau Cambone
Captain Adam Curtis
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San Diego State Rugby Team (SDSU Aztec Rugby) works out with Navy SEALs on Coronado Island on November 20 2009
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page NAVY SEAL BURIAL AT SEA - U.S. Navy SEALs prepare to swim the remains of former frogmen to their final resting place during a burial at sea ceremony at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla. The museum is on the original training grounds of the World War II Scouts and Raiders. This unique ceremony is st...eeped in tradition and honors all members of Underwater Demolition Team and SEAL special operations forces who have passed. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communications Specialist Robert J. Fluegel/Released)
U.S. Navy SEAL & SWCC Page COMBAT-WOUNDED SAILOR EYES TOWER CLIMB - Three years ago, when an Iraqi bomb fractured Elliott Miller's body and brain, hardly anyone thought he would survive.Three months ago, the doctors and physical therapists who worked with him doubted that he could climb a flight of stairs on his new prosthetic leg.But tomorrow, ...just after midnight Chicago time, the former Marine and current Navy SEAL will get out of his wheelchair and try to climb not just one flight of stairs, but 103 of them — all the way to the top of the iconic skyscraper formerly known as the Sears Tower. It's the tallest building in the Americas.
www.signonsandiego.com
Current and latest metro and local news stories provided by The San Diego Union-Tribune. Breaking news, videos, and news updates throughout the day.
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