UDT-Seal Muster XXIV Event Thrills Thousands – November 7, 2009
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum on North Hutchinson Island honors the site of original frogmen elite forces training fields. The Navy Seals are the only service branch extensively trained on land, sea and air to accomplish any job under any and all circumstances. The executive director of the museum Captain Mike Howard welcomed the crowd numbering well over 5,000.
Captain Richard Phillips shared his detailed personal account of being rescued by the Navy and Seals after his now famous ship the Maersk Alabama was attacked by Somali pirates. Even though we all knew the basic story and favorable outcome, Captain Phillips riveted our attention. His “out of the box” plan to hide and lock away his crew and cargo and board a life raft with the pirates plus his dogged determination not to give up was rewarded with the heroic rescue by the Seals without loss of American lives—truly awe inspiring. The crowd demonstrated approval and appreciation as we all stood in applause.
While this rescue mission is now well-known, most of the UDT-Seal missions are carried out without fanfare. This does not diminish the patriotism and heroism of these elite forces.
The crowd applauded with wild enthusiasm as the SEAL skills simulation—demonstration erupted with a BANG – literally! Real life active duty SEALS emerged from the ocean in camouflage body paint to reconnoiter the intended assault target. Then the helicopters quick dropped the SEALS who approached in stealth using only hand signals to communicate. The target was approached and captured, but “enemy” troops arrived, and they were also “neutralized.”
With the mission accomplished, one group of SEALS hooked to their rope to the first helicopter and took off immediately dangling in the air as the helicopter “escaped” over the ocean. The other helicopter landed and boarded that group to show non-emergency evacuation tactics.
One lone SEAL startled us all when he then emerged from underground having been submerged incognito during the entire speeches and demonstrations.
The only disappointment of the day was that high winds cancelled the planned parachute demonstration.
Color guard opens ceremonies
Captain Phillips addresses the crowd
Captain Phillips signs souveniers
UDT-SEAL helicopter quick-drops troops
SEALS demonstrate quick escape