SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice

Thank you to SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice Sponsors.  Trident Sponsor: Anonymous. Warrior Sponsor: Mari Snyder Johnson.  Air Sponsors: Pirie Jones Grossman, Christopher D. Heinz, David G. Herro, Mary Gard Jameson. Land Sponsor: Navy SEAL Museum.

Learn more about the Pritzker Military Museum & Library exhibit on Navy SEALs and start the Audio Tour here.

The SEAL Code

24 Hr Extreme Cold Weather Training, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Fast Rope, 2003, Virginia Beach, VA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Niland, 2003, Niland, CA. Photo by PH 2 Eric S. Logsdon.

The deceptively simple acronym BUD/S stands for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training. 

BUD/s White T’s, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Swim Buddy, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Never leave your swim buddy.

Cold, Wet and Drop 20, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Suffering is the common denominator and graduation, the common goal.

Wet, Sandy Rope Climb, 2003, Coronado, CA.  Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Suffering is the common denominator and graduation, the common goal.

Lessons Learned, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Cold, Wet and Sandy, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Scuba Mist, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photograph by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The exercises in Dive Phase demand complete precision and this is where BUD/S usually ends for at least five men. The technical requirements tax even the most intelligent students.

Water Combat Instruction, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. “Bubbles will kill you.”

Water Combat,  2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

K-Bar Tattoo, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Each new SEAL carries the figurative weight of his predecessors...

Dive Phase, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Bubbles Will Kill You, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Stupid mistakes earn all students about a thousand flutter kicks...

Scuba 101 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The instructors show no kindness.

Class 247, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Outside the Master Chief’s office, the line of abandoned helmets represents each man who rang the notorious bell once signaling his termination.

Class 249, 2004, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The bell clangs three times...

Ring Out, 2004, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Class 248 can ring out.

Proud Father, 2004, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Due to recent procedural changes, families and friends no longer attend BUD/S graduation.

BUD/s Graduation, 2004, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

The Trident denotes membership into one of the most exclusive clubs on Earth. At SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) graduation the men who began their training over a year earlier with BUD/S are inducted into that club.

Trident, 2005, NSW Center. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. I am a Navy SEAL.

6 More Years, 2005, NSW Center. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

SQT Graduation, 2005, NSW Center. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Prior to changes in the early 2000s, only those awarding and receiving a Trident were allowed to attend the ceremony.

SQT Graduation Jump, 2005, NSW Center. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. A new SEAL flies high over his teammates in a post-graduation ritual.

SEALs , 2005, NSW Center. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Every man who earns the Trident gains a lifetime membership in an elite military fraternity.

Danny’s Bar, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Next Generation SEAL, 2003, Virginia Beach, VA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The next generation of Navy SEALs at a reunion.

NSW Group 1, 2003, NSW Command. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Master Chief Steve Link, Master Chief Mike Wegener, Commodore Bob Harward, Captain Adam Curtis, and Master Chief Dean Cummings.

Team Guys, 2007, Undisclosed Hotel in Washington DC. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Friends of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Murphy at his Medal of Honor ceremony.

Brotherhood, 2007, Pentagon, Washington DC. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Surviving members of Medal of Honor recipient Michael Murphy’s platoon at the Medal of Honor ceremony.

Medal of Honor “Murph’s Parents”, 2007, United States Navy Memorial, Washington DC. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. SEAL Michael Murphy received the first Medal of Honor awarded to a Navy service member in 35 years.

Thinking of Her Son, 2007, United States Navy Memorial, Washington DC. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Dan and Maureen Murphy accepted the Medal of Honor on behalf of their son SEAL Michael Murphy on October 22, 2007.

It could happen in any number of ways. A knock on the door. A phone call from a family member. Or you might be on a walk with your kids when you see a black car stalking your neighborhood. 

From the Love & Loss section of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice, TEAM WIFE 1: Stick to the Plan tells the story of a Team Wife who lost her husband in 2003.

From the Love & Loss section of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice, TEAM WIFE 2: Last Goodbye tells the story of a Team Wife who lost her husband in 2005.

From the Love & Loss section of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice, TEAM WIFE 3: Shattered tells the story of a Team Wife who lost her husband in 2005.

From the Love & Loss section of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice, TEAM WIFE 4: Steady the Compass tells the story of a Team Wife who lost her husband in 2008.

From the Love & Loss section of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice, Team Wife 5: The Foundation tells the story of a Team Wife who lost her husband.

Sons of SEALs, 2012, Virginia Beach, VA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

US Navy SEAL Vaughn & Workman, 2013, Arlington Cemetery, VA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

SEALs train and test continuously. Before and after deployments they are required to attend schools to receive designations that allow the platoon to act as a combat team.

Zipline, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Monaska Bay, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Winter Warrior, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Kodiak Detachment Center, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. A boat hangar doubles as a mini-climbing gym in Alaska.

Extreme Cold Warfare, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Technology can’t replace training in freezing temperatures...

24 Hr Extreme Cold Weather Survival, 2003, Kodiak, AK. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The ocean waves break and ravage the shore with hurricane force.

I am Never Out of the Fight, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Never point a weapon at anything you don’t want to put a bullet through.

C17C5, 2003, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. On average a SEAL spends 219 out of 365 days away from home either training or deployed.

ST7, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

1st Homecoming 9/11, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. After several hours of waiting, families and teammates are alerted to the arrival of returning SEALs...

“One of the hardest parts of being a wife that is different from a corporate guy who is gone a lot, or a fireman/policeman that risks his life every day is going to bed every night wondering where he is..."

Baby Bjorn – Close to the Heart, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. “Is he coming with us?”

ST5 Deployment, 2002, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

A Quiet Moment, 2002, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. A commander contemplates taking his men to combat.

A Goodbye Kiss, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Fried-Perenchio.

A Goodbye Hug, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Saying goodbye.

Photo Time, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. He is gone, another deployment has begun.

Holding On, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. “This is our first deployment since being married..."

Letting Go, 2003, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

On good days, after a night at Danny’s Bar, a bachelor SEAL might make a vow to remain so eternally.

Ben & His Grandfather, 2004, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Grandpa steps in.

Thanksgiving Day, 2003, Imperial Beach, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Thanksgiving without their husbands.

Family Memories, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. While the men are away the women hold their world together.

Suburbia Life, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The SEAL community supports each other and their families during deployments.

The Commanding Officer cradles his newborn son for the first time. His eldest son looks on. His wife stands back, anxious for her turn.

A Father’s Homecoming, 2003, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. A boy awaits the arrival of his father.

Fat Suits, 2003, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Playing a joke on their husbands, two women wear “fat suits” to welcome them home.

Daddy’s Coming Home, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Daddy’s home!

Daddy’s Home, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Daddy’s home!

Daddy’s Girls, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Daddy’s home!

A Father’s Embrace, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Daddy’s home!

Unconditional Love, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Daddy’s home!

Homecoming, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Being single is the way to go.

Welcome Home, 2004, NSW Naval Airstrip. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. The Commodore welcomes his men home.

“Of the five years I’ve been a SEAL,” explains one man, “My family has seen me a total of five months.”

A Father’s Protection, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. “Heaven is our children.”

A Father’s Love, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

A Father’s Encouragement, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Intimate Moment, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Man’s Best Friend, 2003, Coronado, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. A SEAL plays with his best friend.

For SEALs, being singled out for a decoration is an uncomfortable experience. They were, after all, just doing their jobs.

PUCA-Presidential Unit Citation Award, 2004, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Presidential Unit Citation Award Ceremony.

President Bush Awarding Captain Robert S. Harward the PUCA (Presidential Unit Citation Award), 2004, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio. Presidential Unit Citation Award Ceremony.

Military Candy, 2003, Qualcomm Stadium, CA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Change of Command – Admiral Bert Calland III, 2004, NSW Command. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

My First Funeral, 2011, Arlington Cemetery, VA. Photo by Stephanie Freid-Perenchio.

Stephanie Freid-Perenchio is the photographer, and Jennifer Walton and Ryan Waterfield are the writers, for a major portion of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.

For information about purchasing a limited edition print of one or more of the photographs featured in SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice...

Many of the artifacts on display have been loaned by the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.

Handie-Talkie. The SCR-536 Handie-Talkie was developed by Motorola’s founding company Galvin Manufacturing Corporation in 1940...

World War II Slate: Used by UDT 11 to record obstacles

WWII Dive Mask: The Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams of World War II were known as the “Naked Warriors”...

WWII Swim Fins: The Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams of World War II went into battle in swim shorts equipped with only swim fins, face masks, a slate board, and a KA-BAR knife.

World War II Life Belt: Worn around the waist, these floatation devices could be inflated using the canisters built into the belt...

WWII Compass: Worn by Edward Higgins, UDT 11

Japanese Wallet: This tri-fold wallet was retrieved from a Japanese soldier...

German 7.92 Ammunition Belt: Brought back from France, this belt was present at the Battle of Normandy...

Belt Buckle: This belt buckle reads “Gott Mit Uns” which translates to “God is With Us."

Barbed Wire. These two pieces of barbed wire were once part of German fortifications on Utah Beach.

Scissors. This pair of scissors probably once belonged in a medic’s kit.

“Hell Box” Blasting Machine. Turning the handle of a “Hell Box” creates an electrical charge which, when attached to explosives, triggers detonation.

Signal Mirror. A typical signal mirror issued in WWII could produce a beam of light equal to a 20 million candlepower searchlight...

Cleaning Bottle. This two spout metal bottle was used during cleaning an AK-47.

Sunburn Preventive Preparation Cream Paste. Sunscreen was first marketed in 1946...

Navy Mark 3 Model O Knife. The Mark 3 Mod 0 knife was accepted as the standard issue fighting/utility knife for the Navy SEALs in late 1982...

USN Mark 2 Ka-Bar. The Mark 2 is also known by the trade name Ka-Bar...

Khaki Swim Trunks. A white tee shirt and khaki swim trunks or camouflage pants are the uniform of BUD/S candidates...

Korean War Swim Fins. During the Korean War, the West-Coast Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) began to expand the scope of their operations...

Black DACOR Dive Mask. Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, or SCUBA, was used by the frogmen of both the Allies and the Axis during World War II.

Modified UDT Life Preserver PN – 110669. Life preservers used by the UDT and SEALs are designed to float a diver on the surface in a face up position...

Lighter and P-38a. This Chinese Communist issued lighter was retrieved during a Patrol Boat, River (PBR) Ambush Mission on the Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh Sandals. Made from recycled tires, these sandals were part of a distinctive “uniform” worn by Viet Cong (North Vietnamese) soldiers.

Viet Cong Flag. This flag was brought back from Vietnam by Senior Chief Interior Communications Electrician Robert T. Gallagher.

M85 Carrying Case. The M85 carrying case is a component of the M183 demolition charge assembly...

Lead line and Writing Slate. A lead line is a device used for measuring the depth of water.

Handmade Lead Line. The lead line is a device used for measuring the depth of water at a given point.

Flag of Somalia. In Somalia, as part of Operation RESTORE HOPE, SEALs performed classic UDT duties on the beaches off of Mogadishu...

BUD/S Phase Three Helmet Liner. Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training takes place at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center in Coronado, California.

Duck Feet U.D.T. model. These rubber swim fins were originally designed and produced by Arthur “Bud” Brown in the 1950s.

Operation Desert Storm Mug. SEALs were deployed along the Saudi-Kuwait border during Operation DESERT SHIELD to operate listening and observation posts.

Iraqi Most Wanted Playing Cards. In the opening hours of the invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003, SEAL Teams were tasked with preventing some of the damaging oil-well fires seen in the first Gulf War...

SEAL Patches, UDT Patches, Sammy and Freddy. After World War II, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) adapted the nickname "frogman" and Freddie the Frog as their mascot.

SEAL Trident. Graduates of SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) receive the Trident to signify that they are a Navy SEAL.

Wetsuit and Buoyancy Vest.  Navy SEALs started using buoyancy vests in combination with their wetsuits in the 1980s.

Training Replicas. This is an exact replica of a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun that U.S. Navy SEALs used for many years as a “sidearm” and dummy magazines.

Fallen Heroes of the U.S. Navy SEALs, September 11, 2001 to Present. Memorial Provided by the U.S. Navy, Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School, Naval Station Great Lakes, IL. Image: "Seal of NAVSTA Great Lakes" by United States Department of the Navy

ABH1 (SEAL) Neil Roberts, 32 of Woodland, CA. On March 5, 2002, Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Neil Roberts sustained mortal wounds while participating in the opening phase of Operation Anaconda, a U.S.-led offensive high in the mountains of Eastern Afghanistan...

HMC (SEAL) Matthew Bourgeois, 38, of Tallahassee, FL. On March 27, 2002, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew Bourgeois sustained mortal wounds while conducting maneuvers at Tarmac Farms (former home to Osama Bin Laden)...

CDR (SEAL) Peter Oswald, 41, of Bellingham, WA. On August 27, 2002, Commander (SEAL) Peter Oswald died after sustaining injuries in a training-related accident in El Salvador.

IC1 (SEAL) Thomas Retzer, 30, of San Diego, CA. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Thomas Retzer sustained mortal wounds on June 25, 2003, after his convoy was attacked outside of Gardez, Afghanistan.

IT2 (SEAL) Mario Maestas, 22, of Louisville, KY. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Mario Maestas died July 3, 2003 after being hit by a live round of ammunition.

PH1 (SEAL) David Tapper, 32, of Atco, NJ. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) David Tapper died August 20, 2003 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, near the Pakistan border.

BM1 (SEAL) Brian Ouellette, 37, of Needham, MA. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Brian Ouellette died with three others while conducting a mounted patrol near Kandahar Airport on May 29, 2004.

HMCS (SEAL) Theodore Fitzhenry, 41, of Canton, IL. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Theodore Fitzhenry died on June 16, 2004, in Spanish Springs, Nevada during a mobility training exercise.

LT (SEAL) Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, NY. Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael Murphy was killed on June 28, 2005 as he led a four-man SEAL reconnaissance unit into the Hindu-Kush Mountains...

STG 2 (SEAL) Matthew Axelson, 29, of Cupertino, CA. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Matthew Axelson sustained mortal wounds in a fierce firefight with Taliban forces in the Kunar Province of Eastern Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. He was part of a four-man SEAL element that had clandestinely infiltrated the Hindu-Kush Mountains...

GM2 (SEAL) Danny Dietz, 25, of Littleton, CO. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz died June 28, 2005. He sustained mortal wounds in a fierce firefight with Taliban forces in the Kunar Province of Eastern Afghanistan. He was part of a four-man SEAL element that had clandestinely infiltrated the Hindu-Kush Mountains...

FCC (SEAL) Jacques Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, LA. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Jacques Fontan died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

ITCS (SEAL) Daniel Healy. 36, of Exeter, NH. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Daniel Healy died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. 

LCDR (SEAL) Erik Kristensen, 33, of Portsmouth, VA. Lieutenant Commander (SEAL) Erik Kristensen died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

ET1 (SEAL) Jeffrey Lucas, 33, of Corhett, OR. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Jeffrey Lucas died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 troops killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

LT (SEAL) Michael McGreevy, Jr., 30, of Portville, NY. Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael McGreevy died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. 

MM2 (SEAL) Shane Patton, 22, of Boulder City, NV. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Shane Patton died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.  

QM2 (SEAL) James Suh, 28, of Deerfield Beach, FL. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) James Suh died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 troops killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan... 

HM1 (SEAL) Jeffrey Taylor, 30, of Beckley, WV. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Jeffrey Taylor died June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 troops killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. 

A02 (SEAL) Marc Lee, 28, of Hood River, OR. On August 2, 2006, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Marc Lee sustained mortal wounds while supporting an Iraqi Army unit conducting clearance operations in Ramadi, Iraq.

MA2 (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, 25, of Long Beach, CA. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor was killed on September 29, 2006 when an insurgent threw a grenade onto a rooftop where he and several other SEALs and Iraqi soldiers were positioned.

SO2 (SEAL) Joseph Schwedler, 27, of Crystal Falls, MI. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Joseph Schwedler was killed by enemy fire while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq April 6, 2007.

SO1 (SEAL) Jason Lewis, 30, of Brookfield, CT. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Jason Lewis was killed by an improvised explosive device on July 6, 2007.

SOC (SEAL) Mark Carter, 27, of Fallbrook, CA.
Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Mark Carter died on December 11, 2007, while conducting combat operations in Iraq.

SO2 (SEAL) Shapoor Ghane, 22, of Las Vegas, NV. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Shapoor Ghane was killed after being hit by a live round during a close-combat training exercise at the Mid-South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting near Lake Cormorant, MS, on January 30, 2008.

SOC (SEAL) Nathan Hardy, 29, of Durham, NH. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Nathan Hardy sustained mortal wounds from small arms fire as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations against insurgent forces in Iraq on February 4, 2008.

SOC (SEAL) Michael Koch, 29, of College State, PA. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael Koch sustained mortal wounds from small arms fire as a result of enemy action while conducting combat operations against insurgent forces in Iraq on February 4, 2008.

SOCS (SEAL) Thomas Valentine, 37 of Ham Lake, MN. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas Valentine was killed while participating in a pre-deployment free-fall training exercise early on the morning of February 13, 2008.

SOC (SEAL) Lance Vaccaro, 35, of Reading, PA. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Lance Vaccaro died from injuries sustained while conducting parachute training operations near Marana, Arizona, March 6, 2008.

SO1 (SEAL) Joshua Harris, 36 of Chapel Hill, NC. Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Joshua Harris drowned after being swept away by turbulent waters while conducting a river crossing during combat operations in Afghanistan August 30, 2008.

SOC (SEAL) Jason Freiwald, 30, of Armada, MI. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Jason Freiwald was killed during an intense firefight with heavily armed militants in Afghanistan on September 11, 2008.

SOCS (SEAL) John Marcum, 34, of Flushing, MI. Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John Marcum was killed September 12, 2008, during a firefight with heavily armed militants in Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Eric Shellenberger, 36, of Milford Township, PA. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Eric Shellenberger died May 6, 2009, during a diving training exercise.

SO2 (SEAL) Ryan Job, 28, of Scottsdale, AZ. On September 24, 2009, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Ryan Job died while recovering from injuries received while providing overwatch security for Iraqi and coalition forces...

SO2 (SEAL) Ronald Woodle, 26, of Weaverville, NC. On February 16, 2010, SO2 (SEAL) Ronald Woodle died during routine dive training near Key West, Florida.

SOC (SEAL) Adam Brown, 36, of Hot Springs, AR. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Adam Lee Brown was killed March 18, 2010, after being involved in a firefight with heavily armed militants in the Komar Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Collin Thomas, 33, of Morehead, KY. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Collin Thomas died on August 18, 2010, from injuries sustained during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

SO2 (SEAL) Adam Smith, 26 of Hurdland, MO. Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Adam Smith died on September 21, 2010 from injuries sustained during combat operations in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan.

LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney, 29, of Owings, MD. LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney died on September 21, 2010, from injuries sustained during combat operations in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan.

SO3 (SEAL) Denis Miranda, 24, of Toms River, NJ. Petty Officer Third Class (SEAL) Denis Miranda died on September 21, 2010 from injuries sustained during combat operations in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Darrik Benson, 28, of Angwin, CA. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Darrik Benson was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Brian Bill, 31, of Stamford, CT. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brian Bill was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Christopher Campbell, 36, of Jacksonville, NC. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Christopher Campbell was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) John Faas, 31, of Minneapolis, MN. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) John Faas was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Kevin Houston, 35, of West Hyannisport, MA. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kevin Houston was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak province of Afghanistan.

LCDR (SEAL) Jonas Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, LA. On August 6, 2011, Lieutenant Commander (SEAL) Jonas Kelsall was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOCM (SEAL) Louis Langlais, 44, of Santa Barbara, CA. On August 6, 2011, Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Louis Langlais was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Matthew Mason, 37, of Holt, MO. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Matthew Mason was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Stephen Mills, 35, of Fort Worth, TX. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Stephen Mills was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SO1 (SEAL) Jesse Pittman, 27, of Willits, CA. On August 6, 2011, First Class Petty Officer (SEAL) Jesse Pittman was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOCS (SEAL) Thomas Ratzlaff, 34, of Green Forest, AR. On August 6, 2011, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Thomas Ratzlaff was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOCS (SEAL) Robert Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, LA. On August 6, 2011, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert Reeves was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOCS (SEAL) Heath Robinson, 34, of Petoskey, MI. On August 6, 2011, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Heath Robinson was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SO2 (SEAL) Nicholas Spehar, 24, of Saint Paul, MN. On August 6, 2011, Second Class Petty Officer (SEAL) Nicholas Spehar was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Jon Tumilson, 35, of Rockford, IA. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Jon Tumilson was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SOC (SEAL) Aaron Vaughn, 30, of Stuart, FL. On August 6, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Aaron Vaughn was one of 30 American service members who were killed in action during a mission in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan.

SO1 (SEAL) Caleb Nelson, 26, of Omaha, NE. On October 1, 2011, Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Caleb Nelson was killed during a combat patrol in Zabul Province in Southern Afghanistan.

SO1 (SEAL) Patrick Feeks, 28, of Edgewater, MD. On August 16, 2012, SO1 (SEAL) Patrick Feeks was one of seven American service members who were killed in action, during a mission to push out insurgents and improve security in an area northeast of Kandahar, Afghanistan.

SO2 (SEAL) David Warsen, 27, of Kentwood, MI. On August 16, 2012, SO2 (SEAL) David Warsen was one of seven American service members who were killed in action, during a mission to push out insurgents...

SO2 (SEAL) Matthew Kantor, 22, of Gillette, NJ. On November 1, 2012, SO2 (SEAL) Matthew Kantor died while supporting stability efforts in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan. 

SO1 (SEAL) Kevin Ebbert, 32, of Arcata, CA. On November 24, 2012, SO1 (SEAL) Kevin Ebbert died while supporting stability operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

SO1 (SEAL) Nicolas Checque, 28, of Monroeville, PA. On December 8, 2012, SO1 (SEAL) Nicolas Checque died while rescuing an American doctor near Kabul, Afghanistan.

SO1 (SEAL) Matthew Leathers, 33, of Woodland, CA. On February 19, 2013 SO1 (SEAL) Matthew Leathers was reported missing after conducting a free swim with his Naval Special Warfare unit off Kaena Point, Hawaii.

SOC (SEAL) Brett D. Shadle, 31, of Elizabethville, PA. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Brett D. Shadle died from injuries sustained during a routine military free-fall training exercise over the desert in Southern Arizona, March 28, 2013.

SO3 (SEAL) Jonathan Kaloust, 23, of Massapequa, NY. On May 15, 2013 SO3 (SEAL) Jonathan Kaloust died while conducting a tactical training exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

SOC (SEAL) Christopher S. Kyle, 38, of Hondo, TX. Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Christopher S. Kyle was shot and killed February 2, 2013 near Chalk Mountain TX.

LCDR (SEAL) John Kainer, 41, of Lafayette, LA. On January 18, 2009, LCDR (SEAL) John Kainer peacefully passed away after an 11-year battle with cancer.

SOC (SEAL) Michael Tatham, 33, of University Place, WA. On October 12, 2011, Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael Tatham was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Bali, Indonesia, while on rest and relaxation leave.

SOC (SEAL) Sean Flynn, 36, of Suffern, NY. On February 1, 2009, SOC (SEAL) Sean Flynn peacefully passed away of cancer. He was a highly decorated Special Operations Chief...

SEAL teams depend on support from other specially-trained military personnel. The men listed below were killed in action while supporting a Navy SEAL mission.

Drawn from the Museum & Library's rare book room, this rare book exhibit is part of SEAL The Unspoken Sacrifice and provides compelling illustrations on the history of the U.S. Navy

A History of the United States Navy from 1775 to 1893 (volume one), Maclay, Edgar Stanton, 1894 and Sea Power in its Relations to the War of 1812 Mahan, A. T., 1905. The USS Constitution is shown here in full sail, pursued by the British during the War of 1812. The low winds... 

The Story of Our Navy, Stevens, William Oliver, 1918. Soon after the Revolutionary War ended, pirates off the coast of Tripoli threatened American shipping throughout the Mediterranean...

Over the Seas for Uncle Sam, Sterne, Elaine, 1918. During training and testing exercises, torpedoes—like the one being recovered here—were filled with water rather than explosives...

A History of Naval Tactics from 1530 to 1930: the Evolution of Tactical Maxims, Robinson, S. S. & Robinson, Mary L., 1942. Resembling a torpedo with large fins, the paravane pictured here was designed to be towed alongside a ship and to explode upon contact...

Battle Stations! Your Navy in Action, 1946. During World War II, Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) Divers used TNT to destroy man-made objects before amphibious assaults on beachheads... 

A Gunner Aboard the "Yankee": From the Diary of Number Five of the After Port Gun (Russell Doubleday) : the Yarn of the Cruise and Fights of the Naval Reserves in the Spanish-American War, Doubleday, Russell, 1917...

The United States Navy, a History, Alden, Carroll Storrs & Westcott, Allan F., 1943. The American Civil War was a time of incredible naval innovation, as monitor class ironclads (warships in the style of the USS Monitor) began to replace old, wooden frigates... 

A History of the United States Navy from 1775 to 1893 (volume two), Maclay, Edgar Stanton, 1894. These new coast-line battleships (more commonly called coastal battleships or coastal defense ships) represented the rapid evolution of naval technology...

The History of Our Navy: from its Origin to the End of the War with Spain, 1775-1898, Spears, John Randolph, 1899 & Our Navy in the War, Perry, Lawrence, 1919, featuring information on convoys...

Harper's Weekly, 1865, The Civil War saw unique naval battles between classic sailing ships and new steam-powered innovations... 

Naval Power in the War (1914-1917), Gill, C. C., 1918, USS Roanoke, the most advanced ironclad of the Civil War, is pictured here... 

Our Country’s Defensive Forces: the United States Army and Navy Wagner, Arthur L. & Kelley, J.D. Jerrold, 1899.  Though the Battle of Manila (pictured) took place during the Spanish-American War...

Authored by retired Navy SEAL Tom Hawkins and published by the Museum & Library...